Fight Like a Mother

April 15, 2019
The founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America offers advice for women looking to take up that cause--or any other. When the tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred in 2012, Watts was a stay-at-home mother of five older kids. Initially using her Facebook page, she rallied other mothers to form the organization for which she has been volunteering full-time ever since. In her first book, which she labels as "part manifesto, part memoir, and part manual," the former public relations executive compiles a list of suggestions for would-be activists, including, "be dedicated to the ends, but flexible about the means" and "be devoted to your self-care." The author focuses on the importance of using social media effectively and "branding" a movement, which Moms Demand Action does with its signature red T-shirts. The text veers between generic recommendations for (nonworking) moms who wish to devote their time to volunteering and more specific insights into the conflict between Moms Demand Action and the National Rifle Association, the group's primary opponent, whose "bluster and posturing" Watts finds repugnant. While the author provides a few glimpses into her personal life--particularly the challenges her frequent travel and commitment to the cause presented to her marriage and family--for the most part, she stays peppy and avoids revealing any details her enemies might seize upon. Some may find Watts' use of terms such as "naptivism" (activism achieved while children are napping) cloying and statements such as, "activism equals organizing, and if there's one thing moms know how to do, it's organize," reductive. Others will find her chatty tone and positive attitude inspiring. While the book isn't likely to change many minds, those who share the author's point of view will likely feel encouraged to put their political views into action.

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