Since every amazing women we have learned about has been at least a century away from the present day, I thought this week we would change it up with a modern-day feminist activist: Gloria Steinem.
Gloria Steinem is one of the most well-known feminist writer and activists in recent history, with her stepping into the metaphorical and literal spotlight in the late 1960s’ with her exposé entitled “A Bunny’s Tale”.This was the first big piece of writing Steinem released following her undercover work at the Playboy mansion as a Bunny. This exposé launched her writing and activist career, eventually making her one of the most famous and influential activists in women’s rights ever. Following the release of “A Bunny’s Tale”, Steinem went on to be a founder and feature writer for New York magazine, mainly focusing on politically-based articles. Within this position, she covered many topics that would have been considered “atypical”, such as abortion hearing and domestic violence claims. Steinem then carried these topics, ideas, and passions over to her own magazine, entitled Ms.
Ms. was a liberal feminist publication that was owned by, created by, and operated by women, for women. Not only was this significant by itself even by today’s standards, but this magazine was originally published at a time when women couldn’t even have a credit card without their father’s or husband’s approval. As mentioned above, Steinem brought many aspects of her political vertical with her to Ms., writing articles featuring names and photos of women who admitted to having illegal abortions and why it was the right choice for them, covering several domestic abuse and violence stories, and had an ongoing theme of women’s liberation and equality.
Even though she has received a lot of backlash over the years, Steinem has never let the negative comments knock her down, if anything, she has embraced it. After marrying an Animals rights activist David Bale, she received much criticism for being a hypocrite; especially after her famous comment in her 1992 book Revolution from within: A book of self-esteem, in which she says, “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”. However, she has said that she was merely “taking advantage” of all of the work she had done to make marriage more equal both legally and socially.
To try and list all of the foundations, events, and resources Gloria Steinem had founded or co-founded in the last 50 years would need to be an entire blog post by itself, but my personal favorite is how she has used and plans to use every one of her birthdays as a fundraising event for one if not several of the resources she has put together for women’s equality. She has also said that her funeral will also be a fundraising event for these foundations and charities. Gloria Steinem is now featured as a character on the TV Series Mrs. America, which follows influential women in the 1960’s- 70’s, and has had several other specials dedicated to her work. If you would like to know more about all of her wonderfully impressive accomplishments when it comes to women’s equality, please click on the link here to go to her official website.
Resources
http://www.gloriasteinem.com/
Bad Girls throughout History (book) – Pages 178-179
The impact of the magazine Steinem created during that time period is important. The topics discussed in those articles helped women know they were not alone and for the public in general to educate themselves. Thanks for sharing.
It is incredible what Steinem achieved given the conditions for women at that time. Her magazine gave a voice to women and her work has helped pave the road for a more equal society.