Which term describes individuals who advocate for those who are oppressed but do not themselves belong to the oppressed group?

• A. Allies
• B. Amerasian
• C. Associational discrimination
• D. Adverse impact

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is allyship—the role of people who advocate for those who are oppressed even though they do not share that marginalized identity themselves. An ally recognizes their own privilege and uses it to support others by listening, amplifying oppressed voices, and taking action to challenge discriminatory practices and systems. They aim to help create equity while centering the perspectives and leadership of the people who are actually oppressed, rather than speaking for them or speaking over them.

This term fits best because it specifically describes supportive, action-oriented behavior by individuals outside the oppressed group who stand in solidarity with them. The other terms don’t describe this role: Amerasian refers to a person of mixed American and Asian heritage; associational discrimination is about discrimination because of a person’s association with someone of a protected class; adverse impact is a legal/evaluative term for practices that disproportionately affect a protected group.