Off Our Backs

Off Our Backs was a feminist newspaper that played a significant role in the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, alongside other notable publications like Ms. (magazine), The Feminist Times, and Spare Rib. The newspaper was known for its radical and uncompromising stance on issues such as reproductive rights, sexual violence, and patriarchy, often featuring articles and interviews with prominent figures like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Andrea Dworkin. Off Our Backs was also closely tied to various feminist organizations, including the National Organization for Women and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and often covered events like the 1977 National Women's Conference and the Take Back the Night marches.

● History

The history of Off Our Backs is deeply intertwined with the broader feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which saw the rise of influential figures like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The newspaper's early years were marked by a strong connection to the anti-war movement and the civil rights movement, with many of its contributors and editors actively involved in organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Off Our Backs also drew inspiration from the French feminist movement, which was led by women like Simone de Beauvoir and Juliet Mitchell, and the British feminist movement, which included figures like Sylvia Pankhurst and Emmeline Pankhurst. The newspaper's history is also closely tied to the development of women's studies as an academic field, with many of its contributors going on to become prominent scholars like Gerda Lerner and Nancy Cott.

● Founding and Mission

Off Our Backs was founded in 1970 by a group of feminist activists, including Marilyn Webb, Marlene Wicks, and Colette Price, who were influenced by the New Left and the counterculture movement. The newspaper's mission was to provide a platform for feminist voices and perspectives, with a focus on radical feminism and social justice. The founding of Off Our Backs was also influenced by the Women's Strike for Equality, which took place in 1970 and was organized by figures like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem. The newspaper's early mission statement reflected its commitment to feminist theory and praxis, and its contributors often engaged with the work of scholars like Shulamith Firestone and Kate Millett. Off Our Backs was also closely tied to the development of feminist art and feminist literature, with many of its contributors going on to become prominent artists and writers like Judy Chicago and Adrienne Rich.

● Content and Contributions

The content of Off Our Backs was diverse and wide-ranging, featuring articles, interviews, and reviews on topics like feminist theory, women's health, and politics. The newspaper was known for its in-depth coverage of issues like abortion rights, domestic violence, and sex work, often featuring articles and interviews with prominent figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Anzaldua, and Chela Sandoval. Off Our Backs also featured a range of creative content, including poetry and fiction by writers like Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison. The newspaper's contributors and editors were often involved in other feminist projects and organizations, such as the Feminist Press and the National Black Feminist Organization, and the newspaper frequently covered events like the 1973 oil embargo and the Iran hostage crisis. Off Our Backs also engaged with the work of international feminist organizations, like the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and the International Women's Tribune Centre.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact of Off Our Backs on the feminist movement was significant, providing a platform for radical and marginalized voices to be heard. The newspaper's influence can be seen in the work of later feminist publications, like Bitch (magazine) and Make/shift, and its legacy continues to be felt in the contemporary feminist movement. Off Our Backs also played a role in shaping the development of women's studies and feminist theory, with many of its contributors going on to become prominent scholars like Joan Wallach Scott and Donna Haraway. The newspaper's influence can also be seen in the work of organizations like the National Women's Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, which have continued to fight for women's rights and social justice. Off Our Backs' legacy is also closely tied to the development of intersectional feminism, which was influenced by the work of scholars like bell hooks and Chandra Mohanty.

● Notable Contributors and Editors

Off Our Backs had a range of notable contributors and editors throughout its history, including Marilyn Webb, Marlene Wicks, and Colette Price. The newspaper also featured articles and interviews with prominent feminist figures like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Andrea Dworkin. Other notable contributors included Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Barbara Smith, and Chela Sandoval, who were all involved in various feminist organizations and projects, such as the Combahee River Collective and the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press. The newspaper's editors and contributors were often involved in other feminist publications, like The Feminist Times and Spare Rib, and the newspaper frequently covered events like the 1975 International Women's Year and the 1980s feminist sex wars. Off Our Backs also engaged with the work of international feminist figures, like Simone de Beauvoir and Juliet Mitchell, and its contributors often participated in events like the United Nations Decade for Women and the Fourth World Conference on Women.

Category:Feminist newspapers