Activist, scholar and author Loretta J. Ross sure thinks so. On Thursday, Ross joined Hunter College students, staff and members of the Human Rights Program for an insightful conversation centered around the themes of her latest book, Calling In: The Case for a More Inclusive Society. Known for her work in reproductive justice and social justice movements, Ross champions the shift from “calling out” to “calling in,” advocating for compassionate dialogue over public shaming.
Cancel culture, or “calling out,” has existed for generations. But its modern form, where individuals or entities face social and professional consequences for wrongdoing, emerged prominently in the 2010s with the rise of social media. De-platforming an individual who does not deserve to have that platform is a very powerful tool that has fostered a rise in social education, awareness and accountability. This being said, a large issue often faced with “cancellations” is the opposite; a lack of accountability entirely, and a push for individuals to apologize only to save face, as opposed to educating themselves on their wrongdoings and prejudices, therefore not growing as a person.
The talkback was held as part of a series at Hunter College aimed at promoting civil discourse and intellectual dialogue. In her opening remarks, Jessica Neuwirth, distinguished lecturer and Rita E. Hauser, director of Hunter’s Human Rights Program, described the book as “incredibly timely” and “desperately needed right now.”
“Since the election, like many, I’ve been wandering around in a daze trying to understand the division that seems to have taken over our country,” Neuwirth said. “And when I read this book. I told Loretta, it felt like therapy. […] So for me, Loretta Ross is like a lighthouse in this storm.”
Neuwirth aptly described Ross as a lifelong activist, highlighting her founding of the National Center for Human Rights Education, the Women of Color Program for the National Organization for Women, and so much more. Today, Ross is a professor at Smith College in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender, where she teaches courses on white supremacy, human rights, and “calling in” versus call-out culture.
Speaking with Ross was award-winning television journalist Carol Jenkins, who is a lifelong activist herself. Jenkins was the founding president of the Women’s Media Center, the former president and board chair of the ERA Coalition, and the host of the award-winning interview program “Black America” on CUNY TV.
Jenkins began the talk by asking Ross where she believed “we are right now” societally.
“Almost everybody I know is either not sure, is afraid, or is furious. In those three categories of where you think we are. What do you think?” Ross expressed that many in America are experiencing trauma at the moment, and expressed how the America that once was promised continues to be set back. “We inch forward, it keeps getting pushed back.”
However, Ross expressed that there is so much “on our side.”
“I mean, we got the truth,” she said. “You know, we’ve got evidence. We got the receipts, as you say. But my biggest fear is that we’ll blow it with the call-out culture. And that’s why I devoted years of my life to writing that book because it’s not just about how we can build a human rights movement. How can we weaken the people opposed to human rights? And I’m convinced that there are more people who believe in truth, integrity, and kindness than jerks who only believe in bullying and lying.”
What ensued was a powerful conversation between Ross and Jenkins that highlighted the devastating realities our country faces today, as well as how the “calling in” approach can transform activism, strengthen communities, and encourage meaningful engagement across differences. To Ross, “calling in” emphasizes the beauty in humanity as a whole.
“There’s good in most people. People are just trying to live their lives, do the right thing. It’s kindness out there. Think about it, Carol. Do you know how effortless it is? And when a natural disaster happens. People just rushed to help. They don’t ask, what race are you? How did you vote? Do you have your papers? We just show up. That’s humanity at its best. I just want us to act like that with man-made disasters too. You know, when it’s poverty, when it’s racism, when it’s bigotry or trans, we have it in us. And that’s the beauty of calling in. Because calling in emphasizes what people can do right.”
A major takeaway of Ross and Jenkins’ talk: Even in times of hopelessness, there’s always room for growth, learning, and kindness.
“We’ve got history on our side. I mean, thousands and thousands of years of fighting for justice is on our side,” Ross said. “But most of all, we’ve got time.”
