The delineation between these terms is incredibly beneficial, especially when many will consider themselves to already be an ally. If that were the case, and we had so many allies, the issue of racial injustice may be less significant in stature.
Therefore, I think the differentiation is essential. White exceptionalism, for example, is pretty rife throughout culture. But as the workshop video highlighted, there is a difference between being an ally and being complicit with racism.
Guilt and shame are important emotions to trigger those that can become allies. I can think of exact examples when I am guilty, albeit ignorantly, of perpetuating the status quo. Such emotions provide an opportunity to reflect, which I agree is of the upmost importance, as it can trigger change.
My drivers haven’t been guilt or shame necessarily, but the yearning for a community in the true sense of the word – a sense of fellowship. I think modern culture has become to divided and too many people focus on where they fall within abstract bracket of society including class, race, zip code, alma mater etc. It is such brackets that cause division and the need to “protect” status that may become threatened by “them” – who “them” may be?! It may be driven by working in sports, but I believe the collective unit can be stronger than the sum of its parts, but to do that, equality, equity and value must be present in all members.
