You searched for 5 ways to avoid common ally pitfalls - Page 2 of 92 - Everyday Feminism

Half of the battle in addressing bullying is getting people to understand the particular nature of modern bullying, particularly in its connection to power, oppression, and identity. But understanding the problem does not necessarily inspire action. So we have to provide tools that empower communities to resolve the problem. Here are five ways to do this!

It happens like that – one minute I can be self-assured, and then the next, someone says something that makes me question my capabilities, or else something happens where I feel like I should’ve done better than I had. And because it’s so easy for us to go from high to low, what’s most important is to figure out ways to boost ourselves back up. Here are some techniques.

Here’s what happened when boys and men of various ages were asked to respond to “be a man.” What does this phrase mean to you?

Melissa A. Fabello’s answering just one question: Why is it so scary to call yourself a feminist?

Piggy bank with a sad face and a bandaid on its face

Once you read these, you’ll notice how rampant classism is – and how changing these perceptions can help us all.

If you’ve ever wondered what eating disorder recovery is supposed to look and feel like, then this video is for you.

A bunch of Post-It notes lie on a table with question marks and "Right?" and "Wrong?" written on them

This author’s actually glad to have this conversation about the mistakes you’re making as an ally – because learning is what it’s all about. Here’s to more growth!

Two friends in the sunlight

Are you a straight woman who’s friends with queer women? Then you might have made some of these mistakes that can hurt your friends, even without meaning to. These ideas can help you be more supportive.

The word "Oops!" is drawn against a blue background

You’re trying your best to be a supportive ally – so it might be hard to realize that well-meaning people make mistakes. Lots of them. Here’s what you need to know to correct these common behaviors.

Person looking into camera and winking, with their arms bent up and their hands behind their head, against a gray wall

Even when you’re intentional about anti-racist work, you’ll make mistakes. That’s normal, but there’s a difference between a sincere mistake and a lack of effort. It’s up to you to make an effort to unlearn oppressive attitudes, and you can’t just rely on someone else to cure you of your racism. Here’s why – with basic steps you can take to make a big difference.

Even if you know how cultural appropriation adds to racism, you might still be wondering how to make sure you don’t appropriate someone else’s culture. These questions can keep you from making a hurtful mistake.

Person with arms crossed, looking serious

What are we missing when we call ourselves allies? This author had some insightful realizations about what it really takes to give support, and you might find yourself taking off the “ally” label once you’ve read them.

#1: “Exercise shouldn’t be framed in terms of weight loss.” In a world of toxic messages about health and fitness, how do you talk to your kids about exercise? These changes can help.

There’s a myth is that if you have enough women and femmes in your organization, your organization is automatically not sexist or femmephobic. This is absolutely untrue, especially if the only way for women and femmes to get ahead is to emulate men and masculinities. When I talk about femininity and masculinity I am talking…

Students in a class, raising their hands

“I don’t want to be ‘that person,’ but…” You can find info on things like textbooks and office supplies, but what about using your feminism to advance the classroom environment? These tips can give you a great start.

As social creatures, we thrive in community and rely on each other for our very survival and use empathy to connect and build that community. But we train empathy out of our bodies by shielding our eyes to what we do not want to see – ignoring the raw humanity and need that is right in front of us, that would make us ache if we would only let it. This has an impact on us as individuals and as a community.

The world can be an exhausting place. We’re often told to do self-care “stuff” as if it was easy or as if they were enough to undo a day’s worth of stress. But at the same time, when you give and give, there will be nothing left if you don’t put something back. So here are ways to think about self-care that will work for you so you’ll have the energy to show up fully in your life.

In some regions, any association with feminism, social liberalism, and/or alliance with LGBTQIA+ causes can cast you in the role of a pariah. But even though you may feel like an outcast, you are not alone. In owning your beliefs, you join the generations of activists who came before you to stand for equality. Here are some tips to maintain your resolve to keep fighting the good fight.

Coffee shop barista writing down an order on a take-out cup

Something about working in the service industry makes people think it’s okay to mistreat you. Here are some tips for when work gets hard – and ways consumers can make it easier.

Portrait of four happy pregnant women are looking at the camera.

Research shows that we’ve got to change the tone of the conversations we’re having about teen parenthood. Here’s how you can support young families.