March 19, 2022
Allyship and collective liberation
Pai reminds us that global health was born out of colonialism and white supremacy -still firmly centered in power and privilege. Two-thirds of GH agencies have HQs in just 3 countries: USA, UK, and Switzerland. Focus is on generosity and saviorism, hoarding vaccines, and hand-outs with the trickle-down charity model. He quotes Ijeoma Nnodim Opara,”“A critical analysis of colonialism is fundamentally intersectional and must locate its construction, and thus, deconstruction, in the intersection of white supremacy, global anti-Blackness, patriarchy, capitalism, ableism, classism, homo-transphobia, fatphobia, and xenophobia.” Excellent discussion of allyship as practice rather than identity – as “co-disruptors.” Good tools for white people and institutions to practice allyship, plus approaches for solidarity and collective liberation. He quotes Indigenous elder, Lilla Watson “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
