Using Hadley’s ally types, how would you describe Jack? Look at these actions below and identify which ally type would best describe you.
You publicly condemn the pay imbalance on Jill’s post and share it on your own. You approach Jack privately to advocate for equal pay for Jill. When this doesn’t work, you offer support to Jill privately. You express empathy for Jill, but do nothing. You approach Jack privately to advocate for equal pay for all disabled artists on the project. You ask that Jack rectify this. If unsuccessful, you publicly post expressing concern for all parties involved. You may even consider withdrawing from the project or stopping work until the situation is resolved.
Following the ally types from Bree Hadley, I would describe Jack as being a pseudo ally. Hadley describes a pseudo ally as someone who claims to be an ally but when confronted with a situation will ignore it, or worse (2019). Jack matches this description as when Jill approaches Jack about the situation, he blows her off and states that he “…doesn’t have time to deal with this…”. This gives off the impression that Jack believes that these types of situations are not worth the extra time. Jack could also be stated to have elements of a performative ally. This type of ally would do the bare minimum to appear to be an ally, such as liking or sharing a post but not putting in the effort to make changes in their own life/workspace (Hadley, 2019). He appears performative by his sharing of a post about the “…excellence in disability arts…”. This is also harmful in that it may wash out the complaints of Jill’s post and position Jack as a person who cares about these issues.
The thoughts on what ally type I would describe myself as was quite difficult. Both in what type of ally I would position myself as and I why I would put myself there. Unfortunately, with all that consideration, I would place myself as a performative ally. This came out from the selection of option 1 from the list of actions, considering what that type of action could bring/not bring and consideration past choices. Looking back on issues that have arrised over the years, both relating to allyship and other issues, I found myself often voicing support and sharing support. However, I did not find any meaningful action along with this. I remember distinct feelings of fear about taking that step, both from a personal perspective and if those actions were wanted. However, these issues could have been resolved and were not. That is why I place myself as a performative ally. This is something that I wish to improve about myself through this course and into the future as I gain a better understanding of how I can meaningfully help.
References:
Hadley, B. (2019). Am I a good ally to disabled artists? [online] ArtsHub Australia. Available at: https://www.artshub.com.au/news/opinions-analysis/am-i-a-good-ally-to-disabled-artists-258881-2364719/.
