What do you think?
Rate this book
Take Back The Fight: Organizing Feminism for the Digital Age
Two decades of neoliberalism have destroyed a structured, pan-regional feminist movement in Canada. As a result, new generations of feminists have come to age without ever seeing the force that an organized social movement can have in democratic society. They have never benefited from the knowledge, the debates, the actions, the mass mobilizations or the leadership that all accompany a social movement and instead organize in decentralized silos. As a result, government and corporate leaders have co-opted feminism to turn it into something that can be bought, sold, or used to attract voters. Campaigns like #BeenRapedNeverReported, #MeToo, the SlutWalks and the Canadian Women's marches, while important, don't yet have the organized power to bring the changes that activists seek to make in society.
In Take Back The Fight, Nora Loreto examines the state of modern feminism in Canada and argues that feminists must organize to take back feminism from politicians, business leaders and journalists who distort and obscure its power. Furthermore, Loreto urges today's activists to overcome the challenges that sank the movement decades ago, to stop centering whiteness as the quintessential woman's experience, and to find ways to rebuild the communities that have been obliterated by neoliberal economic policies.
In Take Back The Fight, Nora Loreto examines the state of modern feminism in Canada and argues that feminists must organize to take back feminism from politicians, business leaders and journalists who distort and obscure its power. Furthermore, Loreto urges today's activists to overcome the challenges that sank the movement decades ago, to stop centering whiteness as the quintessential woman's experience, and to find ways to rebuild the communities that have been obliterated by neoliberal economic policies.
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2020
23 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 11, 2020
When did feminism become a brand, a hashtag, or a campaign slogan?
When did feminism become “something that we can buy or sell, a self-identity or a lifestyle rather than a political orientation through which to organize against the status quo?”
These are the kinds of hard-hitting questions journalist and activist Nora Loreto tackles in her latest book, Take Back the Fight—a book that dares to imagine what a truly liberatory feminist movement might look like and that isn’t afraid to point out where mainstream feminism falls short.
“I was driven to write Take Back the Fight by the desire to understand how feminism ended up here: a word that can be used by politicians and corporations alike who feel little shame about contorting or obscuring feminism to be something that either scores political points or attracts buyers,” Loreto explains in the introduction to her book.
She then goes on to explain the limits of mainstream feminism—the fact that it hasn’t merely fallen short: it has actually caused harm to the women whose life experiences it erases.
“Mainstream feminism in Canada and the United States is white feminism,” she writes. “It’s feminism that seeks to break the glass ceiling but then quickly patches up the hole for the next person to have to break (while leaving the shards on the ground for everyone else).” It’s the kind of feminism “that supports more maternity leave but doesn’t insist that it’s paid.”
In other words, mainstream feminism is feminism for a very select few. “[Mainstream feminism] imagines that the average women is middle aged, white, and middle class, and then sets out to fight for a better world for that woman in particular. When it ignores the diversity and range of womanhood, it also ignores the complex and various ways in which patriarchy, colonialism and racism cause harm to women and will continue to cause harm to women until we force things to change.”
This is a book that will make some women really uncomfortable—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. That kind of discomfort is long overdue and it’s a critical first step to actually making things better: to ditching faux feminism in favour of the real deal—the kind of feminism that actually has a hope of challenging the status quo.
“Only a confrontational, radical, and intersectional feminism will have the strength necessary to force the powerful to heed feminist demands,” Loreto explains.
And if feminism isn’t committed to an actual shift in power—well, frankly, what’s the point?
I say, “Bring it on.”
As you can probably tell, I loved this book. I’m looking forward to sharing Take Back The Fight with pretty much every woman I know. If you decide to read it (and I hope you will), I’d love to get together (virtually) to compare notes. Let me know if you’d like to do that. I’m planning to host a virtual discussion about the book in the New Year.
(From my blog. You'll also find a Q&A with Nora Loreto there.)
When did feminism become “something that we can buy or sell, a self-identity or a lifestyle rather than a political orientation through which to organize against the status quo?”
These are the kinds of hard-hitting questions journalist and activist Nora Loreto tackles in her latest book, Take Back the Fight—a book that dares to imagine what a truly liberatory feminist movement might look like and that isn’t afraid to point out where mainstream feminism falls short.
“I was driven to write Take Back the Fight by the desire to understand how feminism ended up here: a word that can be used by politicians and corporations alike who feel little shame about contorting or obscuring feminism to be something that either scores political points or attracts buyers,” Loreto explains in the introduction to her book.
She then goes on to explain the limits of mainstream feminism—the fact that it hasn’t merely fallen short: it has actually caused harm to the women whose life experiences it erases.
“Mainstream feminism in Canada and the United States is white feminism,” she writes. “It’s feminism that seeks to break the glass ceiling but then quickly patches up the hole for the next person to have to break (while leaving the shards on the ground for everyone else).” It’s the kind of feminism “that supports more maternity leave but doesn’t insist that it’s paid.”
In other words, mainstream feminism is feminism for a very select few. “[Mainstream feminism] imagines that the average women is middle aged, white, and middle class, and then sets out to fight for a better world for that woman in particular. When it ignores the diversity and range of womanhood, it also ignores the complex and various ways in which patriarchy, colonialism and racism cause harm to women and will continue to cause harm to women until we force things to change.”
This is a book that will make some women really uncomfortable—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. That kind of discomfort is long overdue and it’s a critical first step to actually making things better: to ditching faux feminism in favour of the real deal—the kind of feminism that actually has a hope of challenging the status quo.
“Only a confrontational, radical, and intersectional feminism will have the strength necessary to force the powerful to heed feminist demands,” Loreto explains.
And if feminism isn’t committed to an actual shift in power—well, frankly, what’s the point?
I say, “Bring it on.”
As you can probably tell, I loved this book. I’m looking forward to sharing Take Back The Fight with pretty much every woman I know. If you decide to read it (and I hope you will), I’d love to get together (virtually) to compare notes. Let me know if you’d like to do that. I’m planning to host a virtual discussion about the book in the New Year.
(From my blog. You'll also find a Q&A with Nora Loreto there.)
January 25, 2021
All canadians needs to read this book! It is a very accessible series of essays outlining what radical feminism has accomplished and what still needs to happen in canada. Her critique of neoliberalism and corporate feminism was especially helpful for my understanding of why feminism needs to be community and action based, rather than individualized.
March 27, 2021
By the title, I was hoping for something more like a guide or recommendations. I enjoyed the history of the Feminism movement in Canada (and it was some of my experiences so nice nostalgia). There is a lot of ableism in the work, and it was quite rambly and missed some potentially good points.
I read this as part of a feminist book club and it wasn't well received. I'd like to hear other's opinions on it though.
I read this as part of a feminist book club and it wasn't well received. I'd like to hear other's opinions on it though.
dnf
December 21, 2024Sometimes I force myself to read non-fiction and simply find the facts and references and nuggets of historical context just don't hold my attention. This book has a lot of interesting things to say, and makes strong arguments, but I couldn't stay focused on it. I made it about half way, then started skipping around, before finally setting it aside.
July 18, 2022
I learned a lot from this book, but it was a slow read for me. I'm glad I stuck with it though because the last chapter was very good.
November 1, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked:
Finally, a guide about Canadian issues not centred around carrying on in the same way we always have, that actually has actionable suggestions. I find it's easy enough to find books that will fulfill the first two criteria, but the last one is much harder.
This book was written so recently it even has room to include commentary on how the arguments can be applied in our new post-covid environment. This is admittedly an idea the author struggles with, but how could she not? The idea of a global pandemic is completely new. Still, there's room for it here, and it doesn't get ignored.
What I didn't like:
In a book that was so clear about its stance on the Liberal and Conservative parties, I would have liked some more specific commentary on the NDP.
Overall:
Honestly, I thought this was a really good book. It's not often you find someone who will *both* bravely speak out against the status quo and provide ideas for the type of activism that needs to happen in order for changes to occur. Too often books of this kind are directed only at seasoned activists with a lot of organizing experience, but Loreto understands that the times have changed, and books of this kind need to be accessible to a wider audience.
What I liked:
Finally, a guide about Canadian issues not centred around carrying on in the same way we always have, that actually has actionable suggestions. I find it's easy enough to find books that will fulfill the first two criteria, but the last one is much harder.
This book was written so recently it even has room to include commentary on how the arguments can be applied in our new post-covid environment. This is admittedly an idea the author struggles with, but how could she not? The idea of a global pandemic is completely new. Still, there's room for it here, and it doesn't get ignored.
What I didn't like:
In a book that was so clear about its stance on the Liberal and Conservative parties, I would have liked some more specific commentary on the NDP.
Overall:
Honestly, I thought this was a really good book. It's not often you find someone who will *both* bravely speak out against the status quo and provide ideas for the type of activism that needs to happen in order for changes to occur. Too often books of this kind are directed only at seasoned activists with a lot of organizing experience, but Loreto understands that the times have changed, and books of this kind need to be accessible to a wider audience.
September 3, 2020
This book is a slow burn, in the best possible way. There are a few really dry moments in the middle, but for the most part Nora marshals so much history into a compelling read that will leave you feeling angry & inspired. I took a lot of notes, will return to this again & again, I’m sure.
January 3, 2022
I got three things out of this book.
First, I learned for the first time, the history of feminism in country of my birth and my citizenship. It's embarrassingly easy to accidentally form ones understanding of politics and history based only on events in the US. This is harmful in three ways: first it becomes too easy to look at failures south of the border and pat oneself on the back and conclude nothing needs to be done because "at least we are better than them." Second, it masks very real, very uniquely Canadian issues. Third, it makes Canadian would-be activists ill-equipped to advocate for their causes: what worked successfully, what didn't, what examples can we draw from? I though Loreto did a fantastic job laying out the story of the NAC and its eventual demise.
Second, I liked her analysis of #MeToo, Slut Walks and other 21st century feminist movements -- what lasting change did they have, and why didn't they have a larger impact? Although I'd lived through them, for many of them I didn't have the political consciousness to really examine at the time. It was fun to revisit, particularly through the lens of identifying what is required for sustained political movements and change.
Third, I enjoyed her argument for the value of debate. Debate within an organization prepares an organization for attacks from outsiders. Debate brings newcomers into the fold. Debate trains the next generation of leaders to think and speak. I was not fully swayed by Loreto that some of this couldn't happen in online spaces -- discord servers, smaller Zoom groups, etc... But I do agree there's value in real world physical togetherness.
Full review available here, but overall, it was an easy, compelling read, if not necessarily succinct. I'm glad I read it, and would recommend it to Canadian feminists looking for an introductory to moderately advanced read.
First, I learned for the first time, the history of feminism in country of my birth and my citizenship. It's embarrassingly easy to accidentally form ones understanding of politics and history based only on events in the US. This is harmful in three ways: first it becomes too easy to look at failures south of the border and pat oneself on the back and conclude nothing needs to be done because "at least we are better than them." Second, it masks very real, very uniquely Canadian issues. Third, it makes Canadian would-be activists ill-equipped to advocate for their causes: what worked successfully, what didn't, what examples can we draw from? I though Loreto did a fantastic job laying out the story of the NAC and its eventual demise.
Second, I liked her analysis of #MeToo, Slut Walks and other 21st century feminist movements -- what lasting change did they have, and why didn't they have a larger impact? Although I'd lived through them, for many of them I didn't have the political consciousness to really examine at the time. It was fun to revisit, particularly through the lens of identifying what is required for sustained political movements and change.
Third, I enjoyed her argument for the value of debate. Debate within an organization prepares an organization for attacks from outsiders. Debate brings newcomers into the fold. Debate trains the next generation of leaders to think and speak. I was not fully swayed by Loreto that some of this couldn't happen in online spaces -- discord servers, smaller Zoom groups, etc... But I do agree there's value in real world physical togetherness.
Full review available here, but overall, it was an easy, compelling read, if not necessarily succinct. I'm glad I read it, and would recommend it to Canadian feminists looking for an introductory to moderately advanced read.
January 2, 2022
Like me, Loreto is an elder Millennial and this work is useful for our peers and those younger. Many of us are not aware that Canada once had a robust enough welfare state, as well as stable, family-supporting jobs, that people had the time and mental load for the kind of organizing she describes.
In her history of the Women's Movement, Loreto describes the other factors that caused it to collapse Canada, mainly White Feminists and TERFS who refused to acknowledge the intersectional (ie. race, ability, class and sexuality) differences that impact women's experiences.
She also discusses how the concept of feminism has been co-opted and marketed under neo-liberalism. On that note, I would recommend this book even to those who think "feminism" isn't relevant to their beliefs or gender identity, especially those who feel alienated from the term because they're not cis-women. Loreto uses Harsha Walia's definition to expand feminism beyond issues impacting women/femmes/NBs to a paradigm shift away from patriarchy that a just and equitable relationship to community care, care work and interdependence.
Fernwood Publishing is also supporting her in creating a podcast of this work, which may be helpful for those auditory learners and people who can't commit to reading the whole book.
In her history of the Women's Movement, Loreto describes the other factors that caused it to collapse Canada, mainly White Feminists and TERFS who refused to acknowledge the intersectional (ie. race, ability, class and sexuality) differences that impact women's experiences.
She also discusses how the concept of feminism has been co-opted and marketed under neo-liberalism. On that note, I would recommend this book even to those who think "feminism" isn't relevant to their beliefs or gender identity, especially those who feel alienated from the term because they're not cis-women. Loreto uses Harsha Walia's definition to expand feminism beyond issues impacting women/femmes/NBs to a paradigm shift away from patriarchy that a just and equitable relationship to community care, care work and interdependence.
Fernwood Publishing is also supporting her in creating a podcast of this work, which may be helpful for those auditory learners and people who can't commit to reading the whole book.
June 13, 2021
Am excellent overview of the Canadian feminist movement and the challenges for it, due to both the particular social contexts and the lack of movement organization. Loreto, who has herself been a target of the misogynist far right, details example after example of ad hoc feminist actions and their ultimate failure to deliver systemic change, all the while opening feminism to appropriation and derision by proponents of the status quo (or even regression). While stopping short of providing a road map for feminists, Loreto clearly outlines the lessons we need to take into account as we regroup.
February 3, 2021
Skull-crushingly great. Necessary on a cellular level. Recd. please read. Thanks @BoisePublicLibrary!
January 4, 2021
This book is a must-read for feminists in Canada. Nora takes us through the history of the feminist movement in Canada, examining feminist victories of the past and the destruction of the movement by neoliberalism over the last 35 years. She masterfully articulates the current challenges faced by feminism, and discusses how we can overcome them by learning from our history. Read this book.
February 11, 2021
If you enjoy reading a book from someone that demonized a gofundme for 16 dead teenagers, this will be right up your alley.
Read
May 22, 2021A history lesson, a handbook and a recommendation guide on how to organize feminism in a digital age. Rabble.ca calls it “mandatory reading for young feminists in Canada”. I agree. Written by feisty rabble rouser, Nora Loreto, the book presents scenarios on how to move the feminist movement forward. Ideas that will require collective debate and discussion. She credits the immigrant labour movement as a source of inspiration of a model that is working.
More here: https://liisbeth.com/what-should-femi...
More here: https://liisbeth.com/what-should-femi...
August 28, 2020
Nora Loreto has created a great guide in examining different ways in using technology that can bring people together and connect faster. This book also talks about the challenges and hardships surrounding feminism while also urging the generation today to grain its activism power to rebuild communities and a safe space for everyone. Great Read!
e-arc provided by Netgalley
e-arc provided by Netgalley
June 26, 2021
Very well researched book! A great depiction of the history and present of the feminist movement in Canada and recommendations for the movement to progress and be successful in the present and future. The author reflects on her own experiences and shares personal anecdotes. Very powerful read that will leave you thinking!
March 28, 2021
"Canada's labour market is segmented by race and gender, and unless the federal government takes seriously the way that capitalism subjugates women workers, especially those who are racialized, there will never be enough change for all women to benefit."
April 10, 2022
Not as interesting as her other books because I lived through this history and kept wanting to correct it! LOL Big fan though and if you were NOT there then you should read this book -- and get some tips on moving froward...
June 3, 2021
Learned so much about radical feminist history, and all the ways direct action has and will continue to get the goods!
July 23, 2024
If you’ve ever used the term “feminism” or “feminist” to describe the work you do or your identity, you need to read this.
December 9, 2020
This book is a practical and informative guide to any feminist who wants to know how the movement can become more coherently organized and achieve measurable gains. Loreto provides a potted history of feminist activism in Canada and pushes us to consider what we have lost through feminism's assimilation into neoliberal politics. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on physical spaces as a core part of feminist organizing, and the recognition that this is something we lack today.
March 30, 2024
If you have any background in feminist theory and activism you will likely find this too basic. It is an introductory level book for folks who may be unfamiliar with feminist organizing and thinking. For me personally, I wasn't swayed by the argument that feminist organizing needs a sustained, mass-mobilized, cross-country organization, such as the NAC, in part, for all of the reasons Loreto outlines explaining the NAC's demise (lack of support for POC leadership and priorities, white supremacy, issues with government funding/shutdown). The book felt almost dismissive of grassroots organizing, despite Loreto's comments to the contrary--I suspect in part because she speaks of much grassroots organizing as separate from, or outside of, feminist organizing.
December 14, 2020
This book taught me a lot the about the history of feminist organizing in Canada as well as gave insight on the modern politics. Nora hammers her point home often: feminists need a physical space to debate, discuss and organize in a way that the internet can't provide. This can feel slightly repetitive, but each repetition adds a new argument to her conclusion, so I cannot fault the repetition.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews