Action Over Silence

2021Equity StandardResources
Written By Info

by Gianna Francesca Vescio

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In our series, For All Women, our discussion of “solutions” has usually been limited to large-scale organizations, movements, and political bodies. But what about you, the reader? How can the average person make a real impact? Below, I have compiled lists of overall considerations, specific advice, organizations, and TV show suggestions. Feel free to comment on this article with personal suggestions/resources!

1. Overall Considerations

  • Educate yourself and others—this can be through books, educational websites, documentaries, news articles, or first-hand accounts. Education is the first step to understanding, but make sure you are using credible sources.

  • Listening—do not speak over others when they are describing their experiences and what they need; you do not know their situation better than they do.

  • Diversify your social media feed—find influencers, organizations, etc. that will expose you to new perspectives on the daily.

  • Dismantle stereotypes—when you listen to new viewpoints you are more likely to realize how incorrect stereotypes in the media are. Disconnect yourself and others from any preconceived notions about groups of people you do not know.

  • Hold yourself and others accountable—microaggressions are so deeply ingrained in our society that they are everywhere. Businesses, friends, family, and even yourself are all susceptible to toxic mindsets or behaviors (i.e. following a Hispanic person around a store to make sure they don’t steal anything, adding bars to benches to prevent the houseless from sleeping there, etc.). If you witness any transgressions however small, you must speak up if it is safe to do so.

  • Normalize—when we stop considering people in different circumstances as “other” and remember that everyone is part of a nationwide community, an obligation to care for each other grows.

  • Show up imperfectly—you will make mistakes and that is okay! It is better to show up and fumble than not show up at all.

2. Specific Advice

3. Organizations

Most of these organizations are nationwide, but you can search online for local non-profits to support or utilize. Always look deeply into an organization’s history before donating; just because you recognize their name does not mean they are not corrupt (i.e. Autism Speaks, well-known but cruel to autistic people).

4. TV Show Suggestions

These television show recommendations are meant to have somewhat accurate depictions of our specific groups. They are not the end-all for representation and are subject to their own sensibilities and biases, but can be wonderful exposure for viewers.

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