Take Back The Fight: Organizing Feminism for the Digital Age

Neoliberalism has destroyed a structured,pan-regional feminist movement in Canada, leading to new generations of feminists organizing in decentralized silos. Nora Loreto argues that feminists must organize to take back feminism from politicians, business leaders, and journalists who distort and obscure its power, and to overcome the challenges that sank the movement decades ago.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

Two decades of neoliberalism have devastated a structured,pan-regional feminist movement in Canada. As a result, new generations of feminists have emerged without ever witnessing the transformative power of an organized social movement in democratic society. They have never benefited from the wealth of knowledge, insightful debates, collective actions, mass mobilizations, or leadership that characterize a social movement, instead organizing in decentralized silos. Consequently, government and corporate leaders have co-opted feminism, transforming it into a commodity that can be bought, sold, or exploited for political gain. Campaigns such as #BeenRapedNeverReported, #MeToo, the SlutWalks, and the Canadian Women's Marches, while significant, lack the organized strength to bring about the societal changes activists aspire to achieve.

In her book, "Take Back The Fight," Nora Loreto delves into the current state of modern feminism in Canada and makes a compelling argument for feminists to unite and reclaim feminism from those who distort and undermine its significance. Loreto also urges today's activists to overcome the obstacles that plagued the movement in the past, such as the centrality of whiteness as the defining experience of women, and to find innovative ways to rebuild the communities that have been ravaged by neoliberal economic policies.

The consequences of neoliberalism have been far-reaching and profound, affecting not only women but also marginalized communities and the environment. The erosion of social welfare programs, the privatization of public services, and the concentration of wealth have led to increased inequality, poverty, and social exclusion. Women, who have historically been marginalized and oppressed, have been particularly hard hit, facing higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and violence.

Feminism, as a social movement, has the potential to address these pressing issues and create a more equitable and just society. However, the movement has faced challenges over the years, including internal divisions, lack of diversity, and the perception that it is outdated or irrelevant. To overcome these obstacles, feminists must unite and work together towards a common goal.

One of the key challenges facing feminists today is the need to redefine feminism in a way that is inclusive and relevant to the diverse experiences of women. This means recognizing the intersectionality of gender, race, class, sexuality, and other forms of identity and addressing the unique challenges faced by women from different backgrounds. It also means challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate gender inequality and oppression, such as the notion that women are inferior to men or that they are solely responsible for caring for children and the home.

Another challenge facing feminists is the need to build strong and sustainable communities that support and empower women. This requires developing networks of support, organizing collective actions, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality and social justice. It also means challenging the power structures that perpetuate inequality, such as the patriarchal system, the corporate world, and the political establishment.

To reclaim feminism from those who have distorted and obscured its power, feminists must also engage in political activism and advocacy. This means building alliances with other social movements and political movements, such as labor unions, environmental groups, and anti-racism organizations, and working to influence policy decisions and public discourse. It also means challenging the media and popular culture, which often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and narratives about women.

In conclusion, two decades of neoliberalism have devastated a structured,pan-regional feminist movement in Canada. However, feminists have the potential to reclaim feminism and create a more equitable and just society. By redefining feminism in a way that is inclusive and relevant to the diverse experiences of women, building strong and sustainable communities, engaging in political activism and advocacy, and challenging the power structures that perpetuate inequality, feminists can reclaim their rightful place as leaders in the fight for social justice. It is time for feminists to take back the fight and create a world where women are free to live their lives without fear of discrimination or oppression.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773632414