Loretta J. Ross

Former GOP congressman, organizational psychologist, and civil rights activist discuss the benefits of admitting when we're wrong. Topics include climate change beliefs evolution, embracing intellectual challenges, navigating conversations with different perspectives, and embracing growth through learning and unlearning.

Loretta Ross, a public intellectual and activist, dives into the complexities of cancel culture with Adam Grant. She argues that shaming seldom leads to change and proposes a more compassionate approach to confrontations. They reflect on personal experiences and emphasize the importance of dialogue over anger. The conversation also challenges the quick judgments of cancel culture and advocates for understanding, empathy, and personal transformation, asserting that everyone has the potential for redemption.

Legendary activist and scholar Loretta J. Ross challenges cancel culture by promoting empathy and accountability. She advocates for 'calling in' instead of 'calling out,' aiming to bridge divides and foster growth through compassionate dialogue. The podcast delves into topics like the ineffectiveness of call-out culture, online activism, and the importance of face-to-face interactions. Ross's insights offer a blueprint for navigating complex social issues with compassion and understanding.

Original broadcast date: Friday, December 3, 2021. Admitting we're wrong is painful--even seen as a sign of weakness. But what if we take a more flexible approach? This hour: how rethinking ideas can be good for our brains and our relationships. Guests include former GOP congressman Bob Inglis, organizational psychologist Adam Grant, and civil rights activist Loretta J. Ross.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this engaging discussion, Loretta Ross, a radical Black feminist and activist, champions the idea of 'calling in' as a more compassionate alternative to the divisive 'calling out.' She shares insights on fostering constructive conversations in a polarized society and the nuances of social justice. Loretta emphasizes the importance of empathy and tailored communication to bridge gaps and transform dialogue toward accountability. With a focus on listening and understanding, she offers practical strategies for maintaining humanity while engaging in difficult conversations.

In this engaging discussion, Loretta J. Ross, a pioneering reproductive justice activist and founder of SisterSong, reveals her journey in activism since the 1970s. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity in social movements, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation dives into intersections of race, power, and the historical influences of reproductive rights. Loretta also critiques call-out culture, advocating for unity and empathy as essential tools for effective activism, reminding us that joy and connection can drive meaningful change.

Join Mary Ziegler, a legal historian focused on reproductive rights, Loretta J. Ross, an activist championing justice for women of color, Erika Bachiochi, a feminist legal scholar, and journalist Joshua Prager as they delve into the future of reproductive rights in the wake of Roe v. Wade's potential reversal. The discussion covers the implications for abortion access, the intersection of social justice with reproductive rights, and the need for nuanced dialogues in a polarized climate. Personal experiences and diverse perspectives highlight the complexities of the ongoing debate.

Loretta J. Ross, an esteemed activist and professor with a rich history in the human rights movement, joins the discussion to advocate for compassion in activism. She delves into her new book, emphasizing the balance between 'calling in' versus 'calling out' and the vital role of empathy in social justice. The conversation highlights the power of constructive dialogue in a polarized environment, the challenges posed by media distortion, and the significance of community engagement in fostering understanding and growth.

Loretta J. Ross, an activist and public intellectual, advocates for a 'call-in' culture as a constructive alternative to public shaming. She shares her transformative journey, emphasizing the power of compassion in confronting hate. Ross provides practical strategies for fostering inclusive dialogue and encourages empathy in conflicts. By telling personal stories, she challenges the harshness of cancel culture and promotes understanding and forgiveness, proving that addressing wrongdoing can lead to unexpected friendships.

Loretta Ross, a radical Black feminist and activist, discusses the transformative concept of 'calling in' as opposed to 'calling out.' She emphasizes compassion and understanding, sharing her own experiences working with individuals from opposing sides. Loretta highlights the dangers of toxicity in online discourse and advocates for dialogue that fosters inclusivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of social activism, the mainstreaming of fringe ideologies, and the importance of constructive communication in navigating sensitive discussions around race and justice.