When we talk about change—whether it’s social, economic, or political—one idea always comes up: unity. Many activists and community leaders see unity as the secret ingredient for successful campaigns and movements. However, this well-intentioned pursuit sometimes leads to alliances built on weak foundations. In the rush to bring as many people together as possible, the specifics of oppression—racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia—may end up muted, ignored, or even excused. Ultimately, alliances that overlook or tolerate discrimination undermine the very causes they claim to support. Instead, we need a deeper kind of unity—alliances rooted in principled, anti-oppressive solidarity.
The Pitfalls of Shallow Unity
At first glance, the idea of forming alliances with everyone who shares a broad set of goals seems sensible. In practice, though, bigotry doesn’t just vanish because we decide to stand side by side. If we compromise on core issues—such as rejecting racism or sexism—to keep the peace, we risk supporting systems of inequality rather than dismantling them. In essence, shallow unity might give us short-term numerical strength, but it compromises the core values necessary for meaningful, long-lasting change.
Here’s a common scenario: a political campaign brings together diverse groups to challenge a powerful incumbent. Momentum builds, but behind the scenes, certain partners harbor hateful beliefs—maybe they disparage immigrants or dismiss women’s rights as a “side issue.” When these beliefs are left unchecked for the sake of “keeping the coalition together,” entire communities feel betrayed. That unity might score a short-lived political win, but the bigger victory—transforming society to be more equitable—is lost.
Why Principles Come First
Principled alliances, on the other hand, make it clear from the start what is and isn’t acceptable. Working together does not mean ignoring disagreements or pretending differences are irrelevant. It means establishing a baseline: if you stand for justice, then racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression cannot be tolerated. This is not a matter of personal taste or preference. It’s a moral imperative that ensures the movement’s gains benefit everyone, not just a selective slice of society.
Refusing to accommodate bigotry often involves tough choices, such as turning away potential supporters who refuse to acknowledge the harm their words or actions cause. However, preserving the movement’s integrity is worth the risk. After all, a coalition built on ethical clarity will better serve the communities most in need of change—and ultimately strengthen its cause by reinforcing trust.
Learning from History
The civil rights movements of the 20th century highlight why principled alliances are crucial. In the United States, for instance, some civil rights organizations worked closely with White allies who condemned segregation unequivocally. These allies used their positions of privilege to amplify demands for equality, rather than water them down. That solidarity was rooted in the shared principle that racism was morally indefensible, and it propelled the movement forward.
Conversely, alliances that tried to appease segregationists or adopt a more “moderate” stance, in hopes of broadening support, often fell short of achieving deeper structural changes. Time and again, it became clear that clear moral commitments—rather than diluted compromises—were essential to maintain momentum and earn the trust of the communities fighting on the front lines.
Applying These Lessons Today
In our contemporary world, we’re confronted with systemic injustices on multiple fronts: racial inequality, gender-based violence, attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, climate injustice, and more. Each struggle has its own defining issues, but one lesson rings true: alliances that ignore or rationalize discrimination derail collective efforts to secure genuine progress.
For instance, let’s say you’re part of a grassroots environmental group committed to sustainability and climate justice. You partner with local businesses, non-governmental organizations, and activists from across the political spectrum to stop industrial pollution in your area. But then you discover that some of your coalition partners blatantly engage in racist or sexist behavior within their own organizations. If you decide to overlook that injustice to keep them in your coalition, you’re effectively telling affected communities that their well-being is secondary. Over time, this fracture weakens trust and undermines the coalition’s credibility. By contrast, addressing these issues directly—insisting on a code of conduct or clarifying the group’s stance on oppression—safeguards your movement from hollow alliances that harm more than they help.
Practical Ways to Foster Principled Unity
1. Set Clear Ground Rules: At the outset of any coalition or alliance, define unacceptable behaviors and beliefs. This isn’t about policing private thoughts; it’s about ensuring the group’s public stance aligns with its stated principles.
2. Engage in Open Dialogue: People and organizations evolve. If potential partners hold problematic views, start an honest conversation. Explain how certain language or actions contribute to oppression. While some will refuse to change, others may realize the harm they’re causing and adjust their behavior.
3. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Ensure that the very people who face discrimination have a central voice in decision-making. If your movement claims to champion the oppressed, then genuine leadership must come from those communities.
4. Practice Consistent Accountability: Be prepared to address conflicts when principles are violated. If a member of the alliance crosses a line, don’t sweep it under the rug. Confronting issues promptly helps maintain trust and unity rooted in respect.
5. Celebrate Diverse Contributions: An alliance is stronger when people bring varied experiences and perspectives. Rather than aiming for a bland consensus, embrace the breadth of ideas and approaches that align with anti-oppression goals.
Balancing Growth with Integrity
Of course, there will be tension. Some individuals will argue that you need the biggest possible coalition to succeed. They might say that any “purity tests” drive away potential partners or alienate donors. However, there’s a difference between healthy compromise on tactics and outright betraying the movement’s ideals. Shifting a meeting time to accommodate different schedules is one thing; staying silent about racist rhetoric is another.
The good news is that principled alliances can grow over time. When people see a coalition that stays true to its core beliefs, they often respect its consistency. It may be slower to expand, but when it does, it gains genuine supporters who are far more likely to remain loyal when challenges arise.
Reflecting on the Path Forward
Ultimately, alliances that require oppressed communities to sacrifice their dignity in exchange for broader support are no real alliances at all. The moment we let bigotry slide, we undermine our efforts to create a just and inclusive world. The goal isn’t simply to remove a single oppressor or solve a single issue. It’s to transform society so that exploitation and hatred of any kind become relics of the past.
If we’re serious about dismantling oppressive systems—capitalist, racial, or otherwise—we must be equally serious about building alliances that reflect the values we aspire to uphold. That’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not quick. But the legacy of every enduring movement for justice shows us that principled unity can spark genuine change.
Invitation to Reflect
Take a moment to think about the partnerships in your own life—whether personal, professional, or political. Have you ever felt the urge to stay silent about a harmful comment just to keep the peace? What might shift if you insisted on forging alliances that truly respect and uplift everyone involved? These are hard questions, but they’re crucial if we want to build a future where unity isn’t just a buzzword, but a genuine commitment to justice for all.
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