Sophie Lewis, a writer and independent scholar specializing in feminist studies, discusses her new book, 'Enemy Feminisms.' She delves into the troubling ties between certain feminist factions and fascism, challenging dominant narratives within the movement. The conversation ranges from critiques of 'girlboss' culture to family abolition, emphasizing the need for radical feminism that resists oppressive systems. Lewis encourages listeners to rethink feminism's intersections with imperialism and to support transformative actions for genuine liberation.
The podcast discusses the troubling history of some feminisms aligning with oppressive structures, challenging the assumption that feminism universally equates to progressivism.
It emphasizes the necessity of critiquing reactionary feminisms and highlights the tension between coalition-building and addressing conflicts within the feminist movement.
The conversation advocates for a radical feminist approach that prioritizes anti-colonial and anti-fascist principles to inspire transformative social action.
Deep dives
The Concept of Enemy Feminisms
The discussion centers on the notion that not all feminisms are inherently liberatory; some have historically aligned themselves with oppressive structures, such as imperialism and white supremacy. The book 'Enemy Feminisms' confronts the comforting assumption that feminism automatically equates to progressivism, providing critical insights into feminisms that have functioned as tools of reactionary forces. For example, it highlights various feminists who, rather than promoting collective liberation, have reinforced systems of domination. This deep dive into feminist history seeks to expose the complexities of feminist movements, recognizing the crucial need to differentiate between those genuinely advocating for liberation and those who merely claim the label of feminism for ulterior motives.
Historical Context of Reactionary Feminisms
The podcast delves into the historical entanglements of feminisms with reactionary politics, emphasizing the role of prominent figures and movements in shaping the current landscape. For instance, it discusses how early feminist movements in the UK and the U.S. sometimes collaborated with fascist ideologies, revealing a troubling legacy. Historical analyses, such as those concerning the suffragettes and their connections to the British Union of Fascists, serve to underscore how deeply rooted these reactionary elements are within feminist history. By cataloging these alliances, the conversation raises vital questions about accountability and the necessary critique of harmful narratives in contemporary feminist discourse.
Navigating the Tension Between Critique and Coalition
A significant theme in the discussion is the tension between critique and coalition within feminism, questioning how feminists can effectively address conflict while still building an inclusive movement for liberation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting divergences among feminists—especially when facing rising backlash against marginalized communities. This involves setting clear boundaries against reactionary feminisms, such as the current resurgence of anti-trans sentiment within some feminist circles. The challenge lies in fostering a radical coalition that can uphold values of liberation while simultaneously critiquing those within the movement that perpetuate harm.
Feminism as an Insurgency Against Domination
The discussion highlights the transformative potential of feminism as a form of insurgency against societal domination and systemic oppression. It calls for a reevaluation of feminism to prioritize radical, anti-colonial, and anti-fascist approaches that address the complexities of gender and class. There are inspiring examples of grassroots movements that embody these principles, such as initiatives geared towards mutual aid, reproductive justice, and trans liberation. By framing feminism in this way, the conversation seeks to inspire action that dismantles oppressive structures rather than simply negotiating for inclusion within them.
Embracing a Radical Feminist Future
Ultimately, the podcast advocates for an embrace of a radical feminist future that transcends mainstream narratives and pursues genuine liberation. It emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing historical reactions and forging pathways to liberatory practices that truly uplift all marginalized communities. The engagement with feminist history provides a foundation for constructing a progressive, inclusive, and vibrant form of feminism that confronts unjust systems instead of merely coexisting with them. This urgent call to action seeks to cultivate a transformative feminist ethos capable of addressing contemporary issues and dismantling oppressive systems in society.
Beatrice speaks with Sophie Lewis about the history of “fascist feminisms,” what this history can tell us about the current state of US politics, and the need to embrace more radical and liberatory forms of feminism.
Sophie’s new book, Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen, and Girlbosses Against Liberation is out this week from Haymarket:
https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2440-enemy-feminisms
Find our book Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism
Find Jules' new book, A Short History of Trans Misogyny, here: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3054-a-short-history-of-trans-misogyny
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