Thank you for this thoughtful piece. Even though I was an activist feminist and an early adopter of Ms. magazine, I had forgotten so many details of her life. That said, I wouldn't have made it through the seventies and eighties with my sanity in tact without her steady leadership and Ms. magazine, as well as the National Organization of Women. A life well lived!
Gloria became an idol to many of us women coming of age in the 1960s FEMALE civil rights movement. I remember how she was ridiculed for working as a Playboy bunny, when she did it only to expose the ridiculousness of the job requirements and the job of "serving" mcp's.
(For those too young or ignorant, that means "male chauvinist pigs.") Not too much has really changed in the last 60+ years, has it? First, the six fascists on the formerly known as "supreme" court took women's rights to an abortion away, then they gutted the voting rights act.
Welcome to the 50s - no, not the 1950s, but the 1850s.
Thank you, unenlightened women voters who love to be second class attachments to "their menfolk."
It was definitely MCP, for male chauvinist pig. "Crypto" wasn't a big thing till fairly recently, and "fascist" was a separate category. It did overlap with MCP, however. I'll never forget my Modern European History professor, the late Jack Reece, opening his first lecture on Fascism and Nazism with "What is a fascist -- other than someone you don't like?" This was greeted with some nervous laughter. (Ca. 1973)
What a tribute. Thank you. As I look toward death, the deaths of giants lately helps. You get old, you die. Gloria never looked toward stardom but by her persistent support of women, she became one of the greatest women in my lifetime. Like I’ve said before, her name says it all, Gloria. Love your posts, Meredith.
My late wife, Leigh, came of age in the 1970’s and was greatly inspired by Gloria Steinem. Leigh was bold and very articulate, and over many years, helped make me a better person. Leigh is dancing with Gloria now. RIP, two great souls.
I heard Gloria speak at my then-small, new state school in Ohio, in 1972/3. In a large lecture hall. She seemed relaxed, warm, genuine. One thing she said has always stuck with me. "No one thought I was beautiful until I became a feminist." I understood it to mean that she'd been given the "what's a beautiful woman like you doing fussing about all this feminism stuff" treatment. Why not just wrap some guy around your little finger and have it made for life?
Back then, I don't know if I could have imagined that one day more than half of medical students would be women.
Yes I think she felt like it reflected a misconception that feminists are hideous trolls or something. I also think, like a lot of beautiful women, she didn't always see herself that way.
I have often wondered (retired internist here) if much of authoritarian personality and its associated misogyny is genetic? It doesn’t make it OK. Just something we need to understand better. Little likelihood of studying this given the rethuglicans war on science…
Funny how you can spend a year or two being an intern and then a lifetime being an internist :). Thank you for your service. I hope your retirement is as wonderful as your work!
Intern is the first year of training after graduating medical school. An Internist is an adult and adolescent medicine specialist and the board exam is arguably the most difficult standardized test in the world. (It is a Mensa equivalent test).
One of my true sheroes! We’re losing so many from that generation. I was in junior high and high school during the second wave, read all their books, never stopped admiring them. 💯 feminist! Feminism forever!!
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. Even though I was an activist feminist and an early adopter of Ms. magazine, I had forgotten so many details of her life. That said, I wouldn't have made it through the seventies and eighties with my sanity in tact without her steady leadership and Ms. magazine, as well as the National Organization of Women. A life well lived!
May Gloria Rest In Peace! A great lady like Dolly!
Gloria became an idol to many of us women coming of age in the 1960s FEMALE civil rights movement. I remember how she was ridiculed for working as a Playboy bunny, when she did it only to expose the ridiculousness of the job requirements and the job of "serving" mcp's.
(For those too young or ignorant, that means "male chauvinist pigs.") Not too much has really changed in the last 60+ years, has it? First, the six fascists on the formerly known as "supreme" court took women's rights to an abortion away, then they gutted the voting rights act.
Welcome to the 50s - no, not the 1950s, but the 1850s.
Thank you, unenlightened women voters who love to be second class attachments to "their menfolk."
Truth!
If I remember correctly, the title was male chauvinist cryptofascist pigs. How sad that it’s apt even for today.
It was definitely MCP, for male chauvinist pig. "Crypto" wasn't a big thing till fairly recently, and "fascist" was a separate category. It did overlap with MCP, however. I'll never forget my Modern European History professor, the late Jack Reece, opening his first lecture on Fascism and Nazism with "What is a fascist -- other than someone you don't like?" This was greeted with some nervous laughter. (Ca. 1973)
What a tribute. Thank you. As I look toward death, the deaths of giants lately helps. You get old, you die. Gloria never looked toward stardom but by her persistent support of women, she became one of the greatest women in my lifetime. Like I’ve said before, her name says it all, Gloria. Love your posts, Meredith.
Thank you. This was excellent.
My late wife, Leigh, came of age in the 1970’s and was greatly inspired by Gloria Steinem. Leigh was bold and very articulate, and over many years, helped make me a better person. Leigh is dancing with Gloria now. RIP, two great souls.
Thank you. Good ones are parting fast.
Beautifully written!
I heard Gloria speak at my then-small, new state school in Ohio, in 1972/3. In a large lecture hall. She seemed relaxed, warm, genuine. One thing she said has always stuck with me. "No one thought I was beautiful until I became a feminist." I understood it to mean that she'd been given the "what's a beautiful woman like you doing fussing about all this feminism stuff" treatment. Why not just wrap some guy around your little finger and have it made for life?
Back then, I don't know if I could have imagined that one day more than half of medical students would be women.
Yes I think she felt like it reflected a misconception that feminists are hideous trolls or something. I also think, like a lot of beautiful women, she didn't always see herself that way.
🎯🎯🎯
Thank you so much.
I have often wondered (retired internist here) if much of authoritarian personality and its associated misogyny is genetic? It doesn’t make it OK. Just something we need to understand better. Little likelihood of studying this given the rethuglicans war on science…
Funny how you can spend a year or two being an intern and then a lifetime being an internist :). Thank you for your service. I hope your retirement is as wonderful as your work!
Intern is the first year of training after graduating medical school. An Internist is an adult and adolescent medicine specialist and the board exam is arguably the most difficult standardized test in the world. (It is a Mensa equivalent test).
Thank you for this . A fitting tribute to an amazing, courageous woman. 👍
Absolutely wonderful article. Thank you!
Thank you. What a wonderful woman and a great role model for me growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. I will surely miss her kindness and wisdom.
Thank you for this great overview of Gloria Steinem's life. I was fortunate enough to hear her speak in person once.
One of my true sheroes! We’re losing so many from that generation. I was in junior high and high school during the second wave, read all their books, never stopped admiring them. 💯 feminist! Feminism forever!!