Even Robin knew his place

Illustration by Alexy Flores

We’re not exactly talking about superheroes, but Robin was an ally to Batman. How do you become an ally in the modern-day socially conscious world? How do you become the Robin to people of color? By caring.

Sounds simple, but you have to start somewhere. And commit to it.

You want to be at the rallies, you want to be “invited to the cookout,” to be pushing and fighting for change, but don’t know where to start. It's possible to be an aide and helping hand to a community outside of your own. Take into consideration that there are boundaries.

Why do you have to be Robin? Saying that you are Robin is not an implication of you being lesser than or obsolete in comparison to Batman. It’s saying you don’t have to be the center of attention and you’re OK with that.

As an ally, you’re probably not going to be praised for your help or any good work you do. You shouldn’t expect any awards or special recognition.

The hardest part about being an ally is to assert yourself as one. People of color will question if your intentions are valid and you’ll have to prove yourself over and over again. Why? Because there is a history of white people, or people of European descent, who have taken from people of color and embodied personas of people they claimed to be and really weren’t. This still happens today.

You can’t be offended by the sentiment above. There will be things you hear that upset you. However, instead of retaliating, ask questions.

Ask why people of color feel the way they do about what they're talking about and how you can help. Usually, there isn’t a solution to that issue, but your inquiry shows effort and intent.

Ask questions for information that you lacked knowledge on. Any new information is good information, even if you don’t agree. Keep in mind that just because you ask questions, that doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be answered. Prepare yourself for that rejection.

If your questions ever go unanswered, sit back and do some self-reflection. Was it who you asked? Or most importantly, was it how you asked it? Phrasing is everything.

Don’t go to your one Black friend and anticipate them to be able to speak on behalf of all Black people or people of color. Everyone has layers, unique levels of intellect and ignorance.

Ask your friends of color about their experiences like you would ask your parents about sex, strategically and extremely careful.

Don’t be offended if your friend of color talks to their friends of color about things they don’t talk to you about. Maybe they feel like you two haven’t set the precedent for conversations like those. Or, they may feel you can’t relate and want to tell their story to someone who they can share their experience with.

In being an ally, do not, repeat, do not, try to compare your irrelevant encounters to other's personal accounts that heavily pertain to race, sexual preference, immigration or anything you have not endured firsthand.

Correct your white friends — even when your Black, Hispanic or Native American ones aren’t around — when they say racist, sexist, homophobic or xenophobic things. The ally-ship goes beyond race.

Listen to understand, not to respond.

Whatever you do, do not be a “yes man.” Maintain your identity and opinion, but fathom that it may hinder you from your ally-ship success.

Be ready for your world to be torn apart. You’re going to get insight on things you don’t know, learn some of what you were taught isn't true and gain perspective into spaces that are unlike your own. Know you are important because you contribute to change and can educate others on what you've discovered. Sponge it all up and be open to growth.

After that, suit up Robin.

This article was originally published on Jackcentral.org