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Terms: Ableism, Activism, Addictions, Advocacy, Ageism, Ally/Allyship, Anti-Indigeneity, Anti-Racism
Ableism
Definition:
“A system that produces social and physical barriers based on one’s abilities (mental, neurological, intellectual, emotional, and/or physical) and one’s contributions to “productivity” within a capitalist and colonial framework.” The Anti-Oppression Network
Examples:
Asking someone what is “wrong” with them
Saying, “You do not look disabled,” as though this is a compliment
Viewing a person with a disability as inspirational for doing typical things, such as having a career
Assuming a physical disability is a product of laziness or lack of exercise
Using public facilities that are for people with disabilities, such as parking spaces or toilets
Questioning whether a person’s disability is real” Medicine News Today
Sources:
Terminologies of Oppression
Ableism: Types, examples, impact, and anti-ableism 2021
Resources:
Annex: Understanding disabilities - Canada.ca
Canadian Disability Participation Project
You Can't Ask That
Ableism: Types, examples, impact, and anti-ableism
Activism
Definition:
At Canada Confesses, activism means creating a movement of change to highlight social injustices. Any activity that results in positive change for the historically oppressed can be considered activism.
Examples:
Educating oneself on current issues can be the first step to creating positive change.
Reposting social media highlighting a social justice issue.
Assisting in a beach clean up.
Advocating for changes in government practices.
Resources:
Addictions
Definition:
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug or alcohol use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Gambling and other behaviors that negatively impact the individual or those around them could also be considered an addiction.
“Portugal decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all drugs in 2000; adopting an approach focused on public health rather than public-order priorities.” 20 years of Portuguese drug policy - developments, challenges and the quest for human rights
Sources:
20 Years of Portuguese Drug Policy 2021
Resources:
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Advocacy
Definition:
“Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and help you stand up for your rights. Someone who helps you in this way is called your advocate.” - Mind“Advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” - Alliance for Justice
Examples:
Perform functions on behalf of someone for whom English is not their first language
Apply for citizenship for a former Syrian Refugee family
As a parent, advocate for your child to obtain appropriate medical care
Advocate for a senior when financial abuse by another (family member or caregiver) is suspected
Sources:
Alliance fir Justice What is Advocacy? 2008
Resources:
The Global Nonviolent Action Database
Ageism
Definition:
“A system of oppression that produces social and physical barriers based on one’s age, particularly those deemed especially young or especially old. “ Anti-Oppression Network
Sources:
Resources:
Child Advocacy/Child & Youth Advocacy Organizations Across Canada
Ally/Allyship
Definition:
"Allyship is “an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group.” The Anti-Oppression Network.
Allies “ actively acknowledge their privilege and power and openly discuss them: they recognize that as recipients of privilege, they will always be capable of perpetuating systems of oppression from which their privilege came.” The Anti-Oppression Network.
Examples:
Explain how a racist remark is harmful, and how it is not based on facts.
As a white person, attend a Black Lives Matter rally.
Acknowledge that we are operating on stolen land, and that indigenous people were the first people on Turtle Island. (Canada)
Sources:
Resources:
Settlers Take Action Resource Guide
Anti-Indigeneity
Definition:
“Anti-indigeneity is Anti-Indigenous systemic racism and is a manifestation of Canada’s colonial legacy and is intricately interwoven into Canada’s social and political fabric.” Native Women’s Association“The core of anti-Indigeneity is in opposition to self-determination, political and cultural autonomy, and the right to maintain, use and protect traditional territories and resources.” High Country News
Sources:
ANTI-INDIGENOUS SYSTEMIC RACISM IN CANADIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS 2020
How anti-Indigeneity proliferates around the West and the world — High Country News. 2020
Resources:
ANTI-INDIGENOUS SYSTEMIC RACISM IN CANADIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
How anti-Indigeneity proliferates around the West and the world — High Country News.
Anti-Racism
Definition:
Anti-racism can be defined as the practice of identifying and opposing racism. It differs from simply being not racist, as it requires active participation in dismantling racism at the individual, institutional, and structural levels.
““There is no such thing as being "not racist," says author and historian Ibram X. Kendi. He defines the transformative concept of antiracism to help us more clearly recognize, take responsibility for and reject prejudices in our public policies, workplaces and personal beliefs. “Ted Talk by Ibram X. Kendi
Examples:
Recognize that systemic racism exists in every part of society: employment, housing, health care, justice system, immigration, religion, education, and so on.
As a white person, recognize your privilege, and actively work to reverse biases and effect change.
Any action that counteracts disadvantages experienced because of race.
Sources:
Ibram X. Kendi The Difference Between Being Not Racist and Anti-Racist 2020
Resources:
Canadian Voices Against Racism