TO THE EDITOR:
I really appreciate and am in agreement with Ishmael Bishop’s Dec. 31, 2014 column about “allyship.” What’s not often talked about in regards to being a “good ally,” or an ally at all, is the value in listening. The most important thing we can all do as people involved in the communities that we navigate and participate in is listen. Because nobody is an expert on every issue, listening should be prioritized.
Ishmael also mentions the importance of intentionality and thoughtfulness, when people as “allies” do make the choice to act. This is a profound idea, I think. There are so many motions we go through as students, as faculty, as community members and as people navigating various, complex and overlapping positions and spaces. This extra moment, though, the additional inhale-exhale before that choice to act is made, is incredibly valuable. It is where “allies” ought to stay for perhaps a moment longer.
Jen Myers
Senior
Women’s and gender studies
