Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel by Loretta J. Ross is a transformational guide that challenges the reflexive public disavowals commonly known as canceling; instead, Ross advocates for coalition building, understanding and justice. In a social media era shaped by movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, Ross examines the utility of public shaming as a political tool while exposing how collective outrage can hinder mutual organizing efforts. Equal parts memoir, manifesto and manual, Calling In champions accountability that’s rooted in empathy, understanding and shared humanity.
Ross weaves her personal stories with insights from influential thinkers such as poet Audre Lorde, author and AIDS historian Sarah Schulman and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, creating a rich and compelling narrative. Drawing from her decades in feminist activism, Ross addresses issues like leftist infighting and the need to center joy in social justice work. Poignant personal anecdotes—such as working with convicted rapists after receiving a letter from one during her time at the Washington D.C. Rape Crisis Center—underscore her transformative approach. Equally honest about her failures, Ross reflects on moments like lashing out at a younger colleague at SisterSong, a women of color-led reproductive justice collective she co-founded, to illustrate the difficulty and necessity of “calling in.”
The book’s most compelling argument is its challenge to examine why humans are drawn to spectacle and moral superiority. Ross recognizes that criticism of cancel culture can often serve as a right-wing dog whistle, and sees “calling out” as effective and even necessary when seeking justice for sexual and domestic violence survivors, or violent bigotry and hatred. However, she asks us to rethink the dehumanizing takedown cycle as a form of internet entertainment. While anger and guilt can feel justified, she argues they are not always effective tools for progress. Instead, she advocates for joy and empathy as radical acts of resistance, requiring belief in others’ potential and a commitment to building community—practices that take effort and humility to master.
Calling In is especially timely in the polarized political climate of the past few decades, emphasizing the importance of bridging divides and reclaiming our shared humanity. Courageous, practical and ultimately, very hopeful, Ross’ work is an essential read for anyone yearning to move beyond destructive public disavowals and toward meaningful, sustainable change.
