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Terms: Ableism, Activism, Addictions, Advocacy, Ageism, Ally/Allyship, Anti-Indigeneity, Anti-Racism
Ableism
Phonetic Pronunciation: ay-buhl-iz-uhm
Definition:
Actions and mindsets which discriminate against people with physical or mental disabilities or which view them as inferior.
History:
The term ableism was coined in the 1980s, a time of increased disability rights activism in the United States. It first appeared in print in an interview in Yvonne Duffy's 1981 book ...all things are possible, where an interviewee uses it to describe a preferential treatment of the abled, as well as in feminist magazine Off Our Backs.
Current Usage:
While ableism was a term first introduced in feminist circles, ableism is now a widely used term throughout the disabled and neurodivergent communities, and has become increasingly mainstream since 2010.
Examples:
A situational example is: An architect not following disability standards when designing a new building.
A sentence example is: "We need to destroy the systemic roots of ableism."
Perspective:
Ableism is widely interpreted to include negative mindsets towards people with autism, dyslexia and other developmental conditions. It is widely agreed upon that negative stereotypes, inaccessible design, and systemic barriers are components of ableism which need to be addressed, identifying specific key issues which align with the broader definition of ableism.
Co-founder of the Harriet Tubman Institute and disabled social justice advocate Talila Lewis has the perspective that one does not have to be disabled to experience ableism, noting that a justification for racism against and enslavement of African Americans is that they are seen as 'doomed' due to their lower intelligence- a clear example of ableism affecting people who are not disabled.
Did You Know?
The word "ableism" is a combination of "able," meaning having the power or capacity to do something, and the prefix "ism" which, contextually, refers to discriminatory actions or practices.
Sources:
#Ableism – Center for Disability Rights
Ableism - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Ableism (A Brief History of the Emergence of a Term) — Lisa Diedrich
ableism, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
Resources:
CC Resource Database: Disability and Neurodivergent Community
Anti-Defamation League's Ability, Disability and Ableism Educational Resources
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
Phonetic Pronunciation: uh-dik-shn
Definition:
A medical condition which causes a harmful level of dependence to a particular substance or activity.
History:
The latin roots addicere and addictus evolved in the Middle to Late Roman Republic as a descriptive, not literal, notion of enslavement. In the Early Modern period, the verb addict meant ‘to attach’. In the 17th century, addiction had a mostly positive connotation in the sense of devoting oneself to another person, cause, or pursuit. (1)
Current Usage:
Contrastly today, addiction has a mostly negative connotation, used to describe an unhealthy amount of dependency on a certain substance or activity, differing from a habit or routine by the extremity of the behavior’s impulses. Medically, it can suggest a person suffers from a substance use disorder or gambling use disorder .
Examples:
A situational example: “A friend has been neglecting their work and family to play slots at the casino. They confided in me that despite wanting and trying to stop, the impulses to play slots would always win. I suggested they seek out professional help, as they show signs of developing a gambling addiction.“
A sentence example: “My friend is suffering from a gambling addiction.”
Perspective:
While the term “addiction” is often associated with negative stereotypes of criminal activity, poor hygiene, and weak character, medical experts and activists agree it is more accurately interpreted as a medical condition, where the associated stigmatization only serves to further isolate the afflicted individuals, worsening their chance of recovery. Hence, there are current efforts to reform the perception of addiction as a condition of incidence rather than a reflection of character. Destigmatization efforts involve avoiding the synonymous use of the terms “addict” or “user”, as they describe a person’s identity by their affliction with a sense of permanency and cast judgement. (2)
Other perspectives treat addiction as a psychological response to situations which are difficult to tolerate. This understanding is developed by studies linking substance use disorders to people who have been diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or experience childhood trauma (3). Consequentially, substance use disorders are often experienced at higher rates within marginalized communities who faced discrimination and cultural genocide, as current statistics find Indigenous women are 5 times more likely to overdose than non-indigenous women (4).
Did You Know?
Historically, “addiction” is an auto-antonym, because the word developed a conflicting meaning from its origin. While the root meaning is preserved, the term evolved from a notion of endearment to one of affliction. (1)
Sources:
The etymology and early history of ‘addiction’
Words Matter: The Language of Addiction
Reconciliation and Canada’s overdose crisis: responding to the needs of Indigenous People
Resources:
CC Resource Database: Addictions
To see candid personal anecdotes of people struggling with addiction, check out the YouTube channel “Soft White Underbelly”
“The Addicted Mind Podcast” utilizes clinical research and personal stories to inspire hope, guidance, and empathy for those dealing with addiction
Advocacy
Phonetic Pronunciation: ad-vuh-kuh-see
Definition:
The act of speaking on behalf of another to plead their cause often influences decision-making and promotes social change. This practice prioritizes uplifting underrepresented groups to ensure that social, political, and economic inequalities do not hinder fair and equitable access.
History:
The English word “advocate” is derived from the Latin “advocatus,” a term that arose in the late 14th century. Historically, the term was used in legal contexts, specifically meaning “one called to support” or “summoned to back a defendant during trial.”
Current Usage:
Today, the term advocacy has broadened to encompass addressing persistent or growing inequalities, ranging from health inequalities to social, political, and economic disparities.
Examples:
“The history of HIV treatment is one of advocacy, as access to the first treatments came as the result of gay communities across North America mobilizing efforts on behalf of people living with HIV.”
Perspective:
Individual Level - The act of personally assisting specific people to navigate through complex systems. Primarily supporting marginalized or underrepresented groups by ensuring they can access necessary services, resources, or information.
Systemic Level - Occurs in institutional, community, population, or policy levels. Entails increasing awareness, mobilizing resources, and influencing decision-making and planning across different fields (i.e. social justice and policymaking) to promote social justice.
Sources:
What is Advocacy? - The Advonet Group
What is Advocacy? - Human Rights Careers
What is Advocacy 2018 - Mind
Advocacy - Speech-Language Audiology Canada
Advocacy as a Professional Responsibility - National Library of Medicine
Human Rights Activism - Canada’s Human Rights History
Types of Advocacy - West Virginia University
Rights Revolution in Canada - The Canadian Encyclopedia
Social Justice - The Canadian Encyclopedia
Ageism
Phonetic Pronunciation: ay-jiz-uhm
Definition:
Ageism is a socially constructed way of thinking about older persons based on negative stereotypes (3) and manifests as a form of discrimination towards others or oneself based on age (1).
History:
The term ‘ageism’ was coined in 1969 by psychiatrist Robert N. Butler in an interview with The Washington Post, naming ageism as the prejudice and discrimination older individuals face in society. (4)
Current Usage:
Ageism in today’s context holds the same definition as it did historically, however it is used most often in the workplace. Since the 2021 publication of the UN’s Global Report on Ageism, age-related discrimination is increasingly being recognized as a major barrier to inclusion in the workplace (5). Yet despite most organizations having diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments, age-bias remains infrequently on the radar (2).
Examples:
Situational: a younger employee’s ideas gets dismissed as ‘inexperienced,’ terminating an employee based on assumptions about their ability to perform because of their age
Sentence: when an older person forgets something and that being referred to as a ‘senior moment,’ even though mistakes can happen to anybody.
Perspective:
The dominant understanding of ageism refers to older individuals who experience less favourable treatment due to their age. As technology has evolved and changed the way companies operate, older workers have been stereotyped as less adaptable and slower learners - further driving ageism in the workplace (7). In the United States, the ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) forbids age discrimination against those 40 or older (6) to protect employees from a hostile work environment.
The ADEA does not extend protections to younger workers. Traditionally, workplaces have been hierarchical, prioritizing seniority and job security for older employees while younger workers were expected to gradually “climb the ladder” (7). While early career stages were once seen as a time for learning under modest expectations, younger generations are now often stereotyped as “entitled,” “lazy,” “radical,” “disrespectful,” and unwilling to work (7). These perceptions may stem from generational differences in workplace values, as older managers, who often advanced through long hours and personal sacrifice, may view younger employees’ emphasis on work-life balance, wellness, and family time as a lack of commitment (7).
Did you know?
While ageism can affect anyone of any age, it also intersects with a multitude of other forms of discrimination. Gendered ageism (the combined effect of sexism and ageism) is an often ignored perspective. Older women are more at risk of exclusion, particularly in environments that value youth, appearance and continuous performance (5). It can also cross paths with ableism, reinforcing the idea that growing old means ‘declining,’ reducing older people to the stereotype that they will be less productive at their job, unable to use new technologies or less resilient in the face of stress (5).
Sources:
(1) https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism
(2) https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/cover-new-concept-of-aging
(3) https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ageism-and-age-discrimination-fact-sheet
(4) https://www.forbes.com/sites/danpontefract/2026/04/01/the-history-of-ageism-and-what-organizations-need-to-do-next/
(5) https://www.uottawa.ca/research-innovation/news-all/spotlight-ageism-workplace
(6) https://brainworksinc.com/ageism-cuts-both-ways/
(7) https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210730-the-acute-ageism-problem-hurting-young-workers
Ally/Allyship
Phonetic Pronunciation: AL-igh/AL-igh-ship
Definition:
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "allyship" as the "state or condition of being a person who supports the rights of a minority or marginalized group without being a member of it (1)."
History:
The term “ally” has a long history in English, dating back to the 1380s in familial, political, and wartime contexts; however, its modern usage within a social justice framework began to emerge in the mid-20th century (1).
In the “Jet” magazine published on August 6, 1970, the phrase “white allies” was used to describe white individuals who support racial justice. While some believe that today’s definition of ally originates from racial justice movements, other research suggests that it may have originated from the “straight ally” concept in the LGBT rights movement (2).
In the 1960s, same-sex relations were illegal in New York City, and the LGBT community faced constant police harassment and social discrimination. This led to gay bars, such as the Stonewall Inn, becoming important places for LGBT individuals to gather and express themselves openly. The raid of the Stonewall Inn then led to a series of riots and demonstrations that are now known as the Stonewall Riots (3). This event then sparks the formation of gay-straight alliances among high schools and universities in the United States (4).
Current Usage:
The term "ally" or "allyship" refers to individuals who support social justice and non-dominant groups by building authentic relationships and holding others accountable. An ally recognizes systemic oppression and works actively towards social justice by promoting the rights of marginalized groups and eliminating social inequities (5).
Another way people use the term “allyship” is to describe different levels of involvement in social justice work. There are three levels of involvement: allyship, accomplice, and co-conspirator (6). Allyship is the learning stage, which includes educating oneself and listening to marginalized voices. Accomplice is the next level, which involves taking direct action to dismantle systems of oppression. Accomplices are aware of their privilege and take risks to challenge oppressive systems. Co-conspirator is the highest level. They work alongside the communities they support and share their power and resources to cause change. Co-conspirators build relationships with marginalized communities and center their voices in all aspects of the work.
Aside from allyship, the term “performative allyship” is often used in the social justice context. This term describes superficial activism that is performed to appear supportive and preserve personal image (5). This can be harmful because it leads to tokenism, exploitation, and a false sense of progress (7).
Examples:
A situational example: The teacher notices that Student A calls Student B "girly" as an insult. The teacher decided to step in and told Student A that calling someone "girly" is hurtful because it implies that there is something wrong with being a girl when there is not.
A sentence example: To be an ally, you need to be self-aware of the power and privilege you have and use them to challenge the status quo alongside marginalized communities.
Perspective:
While the idea of someone with privilege helping someone who is marginalized sounds good in theory, some claim that it does not work in practice. Some people label themselves as allies without educating themselves on the issues they are addressing, and only do it for their own reputation. People from the marginalized communities instead become responsible for educating the “allies,” which becomes repetitive. Allyship has also become more of a transaction, in which the “allies” treat advocacy as a mutually beneficial opportunity instead of a moral obligation. This perpetuates an uneven distribution of power that further disenfranchises the marginalized (8).
Some people have shifted from using the term “allyship” to the term “solidarity” instead. This is because the solidarity framework recognizes the multiple systems of oppression. Solidarity also requires people to acknowledge how they have contributed to or benefited from others’ oppression. By holding each other accountable, collective liberation can be achieved (9).
Did You Know?
The term "ally" comes from the Latin word "alligare", meaning "to bind to," like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another (10).
Sources:
(1) Oxford English Dictionary: Allyship
(4) The Story of the First High School LGBT Group
(6) The Journey from Ally to a Coconspirator and 6 steps for those that need a roadmap
(7) Performative Allyship: What It Is and Why It Hurts
(8) OPINION: Why I’m Giving Up on “Allies”
(9) Collective Liberation: Allyship Versus Solidarity
Resources:
Anti-Black Racism: Ally to Accomplice
Guide to Being An Ally to Trans and Nonbinary People
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
Phonetic Pronunciation: an-tee-RAY-siz-uhm
Definition:
Anti-racism was a term coined in the ‘60s-’70s that exemplifies the actions required to disassemble racist systems within our society. Anti-racists fight against racist systems and biases, as opposed to being a “neutral” bystander or performative ally.
History:
“Anti-racism” was coined in the 1960s and 70s by the American Black Panther Party to encourage activist solidarity across racial and organizational boundaries. Political activist and author Angela Davis also began using the term in her academic writing as early as 1981. The term was recently popularized by Ibram X. Kendi in 2019, with his book “How to Be an Antiracist”.
Examples:
A situational example: For example, an anti-racist would take measured and specific steps to ensure marginalized people feel like they fully belong in society and institutions such as schools, communities, workplaces, and more.
A sentence example: “I am trying to take my allyship to the next level by taking a social justice and activism course at school so I can learn how to be more anti-racist.”
Perspective:
The common interpretation of anti-racism is going further than simply being inclusive. It involves active processes and work to dismantle racist practices and systems within society and community. Diversity and inclusion involve acknowledging and celebrating differences, whereas anti-racism challenges the systemic biases that devalue and marginalize differences in the first place.
Historically, the term “anti-racist” was also used to differentiate between which white folks were activists against injustice, and the normalized racist white population.
Did You Know?
Canada’s first anti-ractist plan was created in 2005 to combat racism within Canada’s government departments. The department of justice was given $6.7 million over five years to address race-based issues in the justice system, create interventions for victims and perpetrators of hate crimes, and to decrease Internet-based hate crimes.
Sources:
(1) UManitoba Anti-Racism Glossary
(2) Simmons University - Anti-Oppression
(3) American University's Antiracist Praxis Guide
(4) Canada's Action Plan Against Racism - Executive Summary
Resources:
Explaining Anti-Racism - Ibram X. Kendi | Intelligence Squared