By: Ang Moh

In reply to Matt Wallaert.

I appreciate that this is obviously an issue close to you. And I appreciate that you are taking the time to engage on an issue in a space that is not designed for you. But I’m also confused by your insistent defense of these guys. You’re saying you have invested a great deal of time and resources in being an ally in an effective manner. I think that’s valuable, and I appreciate it. However, we don’t see evidence that these guys were as thoughtful in their work as allies as you have been in your efforts. Why is that such a problem for you? If you have high standards, why is it a problem for you that they don’t meet those standards?

Also, I think you’re forgetting an underlying power issue. Men, and what they have to say, are given more credence and respect in society than women and our ideas. Your refusal to believe women who say these men’s efforts are a problem, is a problem. It is not good allyship. Your decision to defend them for making a sad effort over believing women who are giving their honest opinion about that effort is, in my opinion, poor allyship. I get that male allyship is important, and needs to be fostered. But fostering at the expense of giving women’s voices equal credence fundamentally undermines the point of that allyship.