Not all support is supportive. These terms name when “help” is a disguise for control, when “amplifying” means erasing, and when so-called allies benefit more than those they claim to stand beside.
Using Your Megaphone to Mute Others
When someone with more visibility “amplifies” a lived-experience message—then becomes the spokesperson, drowning out the original voice.
Declaring Solidarity Without Risk
Publicly identifying as an “ally” without doing the hard work of redistribution, structural change, or accountability.
Mining Pain for Content or Clout
Collecting lived-experience stories to generate funding, branding, or prestige—while offering little to no return to those who shared them.
Repackaging Ideas Without Attribution
When someone uses your work, words, or frameworks and presents them as their own “insight” in safer or more prestigious spaces.
Making Your Guilt the Main Character
Centres the ally’s feelings about injustice instead of the injustice itself—shifting focus and labour back onto the marginalised person.