Navigating the Balance Between Being an Actionable Ally and Avoiding ‘White Knighting’

23 August 2024

On the other, there’s the risk of ‘white knighting’ – stepping in to “save” others in a way that can be patronising or self-serving rather than genuinely supportive. Understanding this balance is crucial for effective allyship.

To navigate the balance between being an actionable ally and avoiding white knighting, focus on listening actively, amplifying minority voices, and supporting their initiatives without overshadowing them. Educate yourself on their experiences, ask how you can help, and promote systemic changes. Strive to empower rather than dominate, ensuring your actions are genuinely supportive.

In this article, we will discuss how to be an actionable ally who avoids the trap of becoming a “white knight.”

Understanding ‘White Knighting’

‘White knighting’ refers to a behaviour where a non-minority person intervenes in a situation involving minorities, often with the intent to help, but ends up dominating the conversation or decision-making process.

This can inadvertently reinforce the same power dynamics and marginalisation that the ally is trying to combat. It’s important to understand that being an ally is not about taking centre stage or rescuing, but about supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalised.

Key Differences Between Being an Ally and ‘White Knighting’

Intent and Impact:
- Ally: Focuses on empowering the minority group and ensuring their voices are heard. The intent is to support without overshadowing.
- White Knight: Often driven by the need to be seen as a saviour or hero, which can overshadow the needs and voices of the minority group.
Approach:
- Ally: Listens more than they speak, educates themselves on issues, and seeks to understand the experiences of others. Their actions are guided by the needs and desires of the marginalised group.
- White Knight: Assumes they know best what the minority group needs and may take actions without consulting those they intend to help.
Outcomes:
- Ally: Contributes to long-term systemic change by supporting minority-led initiatives and fostering an inclusive environment.
- White Knight: Can reinforce dependency and the existing power dynamics, sometimes even causing more harm than good.

Finding the Balance: Tips for Effective Allyship

In the quest to be an actionable ally, non-minority individuals often face a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there’s the sincere desire to support and stand up against harassment and bullying, especially during times where the social climate is rampant with bigotry and discrimination. On the other, there’s the risk of ‘white knighting’ – stepping in to “save” others in a way that can be patronising or self-serving rather than genuinely supportive. Understanding this balance is crucial for effective allyship.

Effective allyship involves a conscious effort to support and empower minority voices without overshadowing them. It requires a deep understanding of the issues at hand, a commitment to active listening, and a willingness to act in ways that amplify rather than dominate. Being an ally means prioritizing the needs and perspectives of those you aim to support, ensuring that your actions contribute to their empowerment and long-term systemic change. To navigate this balance successfully, it is essential to focus on education, active listening, and thoughtful action.

Here are some practical tips to help you find and maintain this balance:

Educate Yourself:
- Take the time to learn about the experiences, history, and challenges faced by the minority group. Understanding context is crucial for effective support.
Listen Actively:
- Listen more than you speak. Make space for minority voices and ensure they are the ones leading the conversation.
Amplify Voices, Don’t Drown Them Out:
- Use your platform to amplify the voices instead of speaking for or over someone, Forbes described this as ‘giving advice is an occupational hazard’.
Ask How You Can Help:
- Instead of assuming what is needed, ask. This shows respect for the autonomy and expertise of the minority group and ensures your efforts are genuinely supportive.
Share Power:
- Use your privilege to open doors and create opportunities for minority individuals. This can include advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes or mentoring them to take on leadership roles.
Reflect and Stay Humble:
- Regularly reflect on your actions and motivations. Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your approach. Recognise that being an ally is an ongoing process of learning and growth.
Support Systemic Change:
- Allyship isn’t just about individual actions but also about supporting broader systemic changes. Advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion within your organisation and community.

The Importance of Balance

Balancing effective allyship and avoiding ‘white knighting’ is essential for genuine and impactful support. Allies must be aware of their own biases and motivations, ensuring that their actions are driven by a true desire to support and empower.

By focusing on education, listening, amplifying voices, and supporting systemic change, allies can make a meaningful difference without falling into the pitfalls of ‘white knighting’.

Being an actionable ally requires a thoughtful and measured approach. It involves recognising the complexities of allyship and striving to support marginalised groups in ways that are empowering rather than patronising. By finding this balance, allies can contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all.

If you would like to practice your allyship skills, please join us for an interactive session on August 27. You will be able to practice allyship skills in a safe and supportive environment while learning best practices from your peers.

Click here to register.