White Saviorism vs. True Allyship: How to Be an Accomplice in the Fight for Racial Justice
The Difference Between White Saviorism and Being an Ally or Accomplice in the Anti-Racism Movement
The push for racial justice and equity in recent years has led to increased awareness of systemic racism, prompting many individuals to take action. In the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, there’s an essential distinction between two very different approaches that white people may take: white saviorism versus true allyship and accompliceship. While both may come from a place of wanting to do good, their impact and intentions can be drastically different. Understanding the difference is critical to fostering authentic, lasting change.
What Is White Saviorism?
White saviorism refers to the belief that white individuals or communities must "rescue" or "help" people of color because they are somehow incapable of doing so themselves. This notion stems from a place of superiority, where the savior sees themselves as more knowledgeable, capable, or powerful and imposes their ideas of “help” on marginalized communities. Even though it may come from a desire to assist, white saviorism reinforces existing power dynamics and perpetuates a paternalistic mindset, often centering white voices and perspectives instead of empowering the very people the work is supposed to support.
White saviorism is problematic because it reinforces the very systems it seeks to dismantle. By positioning white individuals as saviors, it upholds the idea that marginalized communities are powerless and need to be "saved" by those with privilege. This diminishes the agency of people of color and can actually hinder progress by preventing authentic collaboration and self-determination.
Examples of white saviorism can be seen in many areas, from volunteerism and charitable efforts to how certain celebrities or public figures approach anti-racism work. While they may raise awareness, the focus often shifts away from the voices of those directly impacted by racial injustice to the "heroic" actions of white individuals, minimizing the experiences of the communities they claim to support.
Allyship: A Support Role
Being an ally is a much more mindful and intentional approach. Allies acknowledge their privilege and leverage it to support marginalized communities without taking over or speaking for them. Allyship involves listening, learning, and elevating the voices of those most affected by racism. Importantly, it also requires self-awareness—understanding the ways in which systemic racism benefits the ally and committing to unlearning and addressing those biases.
True allyship is not about being seen as "good" or getting a pat on the back for supporting anti-racism. Instead, it is about taking a back seat and supporting the leadership of marginalized people, allowing their lived experiences to guide the work. Allies help by creating space for those communities to share their own stories, fight for their own rights, and determine the paths forward.
Allies are aware that their role is to assist, not lead. They may use their privilege to open doors or advocate for equity in spaces where their voices are more readily heard, but they always center the needs and desires of those they are supporting. Being an ally is about humility, accountability, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Accompliceship: A Deeper Commitment to Action
While allyship is essential, accompliceship goes a step further. Accomplices actively engage in dismantling oppressive systems by taking risks and standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. Where allies may be focused on support and advocacy, accomplices work to disrupt the very systems of power and privilege that maintain inequality.
An accomplice not only listens and amplifies the voices of marginalized people but also takes bold actions to challenge and break down those structures. Accomplices understand that their role involves more than standing on the sidelines. They take risks, whether it's by calling out racism in their own circles, challenging institutional practices, or disrupting harmful power dynamics.
Importantly, accomplices know that this work will not always be comfortable. They are willing to sacrifice their comfort and, at times, their safety or privilege to actively contribute to the fight for racial justice. They know that by doing so, they are contributing to long-term systemic change, rather than simply signaling their commitment to anti-racism. Accompliceship requires a deep, long-term commitment, recognizing that the fight against racism is not a short-term project but a lifelong journey.
Moving Beyond Performative Activism
One of the challenges with white saviorism and superficial allyship is that they often fall into the trap of performative activism—actions that are more about appearances than meaningful change. Whether it’s attending protests for social media posts or making donations without addressing one's own biases, performative activism focuses on optics rather than substance. This kind of behavior centers the individual’s need to be seen as "good" rather than the real goal of dismantling racism.
True allyship and accompliceship, on the other hand, are not performative. They require behind-the-scenes work, uncomfortable conversations, and a commitment to learning and growth that isn’t always visible to the outside world. Allies and accomplices aren’t in it for recognition; they are in it because they understand that this work is essential to building a just and equitable world.
How to Shift from White Saviorism to Allyship or Accompliceship
If you find yourself wondering how you can make the shift from white saviorism to being an ally or accomplice, here are a few steps to guide you:
Educate Yourself: Start by learning about systemic racism, white supremacy, and the lived experiences of people of color. There are countless books, documentaries, podcasts, and articles that can help deepen your understanding.
Listen and Follow: Instead of jumping in to offer help, take time to listen to the communities you want to support. Ask them what they need rather than assuming you know.
Check Your Motives: Are you doing this work because you want to be seen as a “good person,” or because you are committed to dismantling racism? Being an ally or accomplice means taking action without expecting recognition.
Get Comfortable with Discomfort: This work will be uncomfortable. It will challenge your beliefs, biases, and privilege. But leaning into that discomfort is essential for growth.
Take Action: Being an ally or accomplice means going beyond words. Whether it's showing up for protests, advocating for policy change, or confronting racism in your own community, action is key.
Center the Voices of Marginalized Communities: Always defer to those directly impacted by racism. Your role is to support, not to lead or control the narrative.
In the fight against systemic racism, white saviorism may seem like a noble approach, but it ultimately centers whiteness and reinforces the very power structures we need to dismantle. Being an ally or accomplice, however, involves listening, learning, and taking bold action while recognizing the leadership and autonomy of marginalized communities. True change requires humility, accountability, and a commitment to ongoing, meaningful work—not for recognition, but for justice.
