Too bad she supports Hillary. That means she too is
on the side of Wall St. and the military.
on the side of Wall St. and the military.
4
About the "cracker" comment. As white guy I've gotten that for years here. Water off duck's back. Rule one for newyorker is Walk Away with eye back.
Fact she reflected on encounter told me more about her self-centered ability to turn a situation to her own needs than has her history.
Pew Research: "Women’s pay went up 32% from 1980-2015, while men’s went down 3%,"
Yes, that Steinem era is well over. I no longer concern myself with women issues but certainly do admire their victories.
Fact she reflected on encounter told me more about her self-centered ability to turn a situation to her own needs than has her history.
Pew Research: "Women’s pay went up 32% from 1980-2015, while men’s went down 3%,"
Yes, that Steinem era is well over. I no longer concern myself with women issues but certainly do admire their victories.
1
Ms Steinem may have done many things, but improving the working conditions of the Playboy Bunnies is not one of them. I always felt it was unfortunate how she used us to launch her career by portraying us as pretty much dumb bunnies working in a seedy environment when the opposite is very much true. I worked with her during her short career at the Club and much of what she wrote missed fact and the opportunity to showcase women – many in their teens – that had the opportunity to attend college while making as much as $500/week serving lunches, less than 20 hours a week. Working 4 full days many cleared $1000! There were no glass ceilings, we could move into management, we had a voice of influence in weekly staff meetings, there were few men that made as much money as we did, and Playboy made sure our work assignments accommodated school, baby-sitting schedules and even career changing job interviews. Ethnically it was one of the most diverse environments I have ever worked in. Playboy also offered educational assistance. All this in the 1960s! Now, that’s the story she should’ve written.
31
Worked with Jolly and Gloria at the New York Playboy Club and agree with Jolly's comment 100%.
7
From the majority of the comments here, too much is being expected from one woman. Yes, she has her faults, but she's managed to highlight many womens issues via a patriarchal media which currently appears to be at it's worst when it comes to social equality.
12
A person I have always admired. Thanks for this article.
13
Being 64- a little younger than Gloria - I remember well how things used to be in the work place and on campuses in regards to women's rights. I tell my college students the type of harassments other women and myself endured at work and in college - by male bosses and professors - and that conditions are better now because of sexual harassment laws. With out Gloria and other feminists this change would not have happened. Her commitment to women's and girls rights has inspired many and prevented or lessened the atmosphere of sexual harassment in society. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done and continues to do to improve rights and conditions for women around the world.
12
In the 1990's, I attended a talk and signing given by Ms. Stienem. She fat shamed me, saying in passing that it was sad when someone just gives up. I was stunned. She is not all you make her out to be.
14
She must hang out with Trump.
1
Thanks for sharing this article.
3
She lives on the Upper East Side and worked for an organization that has overthrown legitimately elected governments and has murdered people. Some innocent. But from her Ivory Tower she doth preach. How about going to Haiti and bringing a few Haitians to live with you? Or prostitutes in the street. Just like Hillary she is a hypocrite. Enjoy your $4000 a square foot enclave. 900 dead in Haiti and you will be sipping tea wondering how your book sales are going.
9
one percenter, we cannot clone people. The death toll in Haiti is rising and it is devastating. If we are fortunate to have a Haitian friend here, we can give funds directly to the above, to spend as the person feels best, rather than to a humanitarian organization, or agency.
A friend, a water engineer, returned recently from Haiti where cholera is rampant, and I believe she is acquainted with Dr. Paul Farmer and his Haitian spouse; all to say, hoping the New York Times will keep us informed.
According to a famous reporter, he writes that nearly everything in life is political. Orwell is his name, and he fought the Spanish Civil War. The question might be what have you and I done to make Women's Rights better, and whether we have ever pulled through in life, another individual, regardless of gender.
Hillary Clinton is putting up a fight, not only for herself, but for the Country she loves, and I admire all these extraordinary women who serve as an inspiration, not only to other females, but to people in their own right. Gloria Steinem is one of these activists, and a little respect goes a long way these days.
A friend, a water engineer, returned recently from Haiti where cholera is rampant, and I believe she is acquainted with Dr. Paul Farmer and his Haitian spouse; all to say, hoping the New York Times will keep us informed.
According to a famous reporter, he writes that nearly everything in life is political. Orwell is his name, and he fought the Spanish Civil War. The question might be what have you and I done to make Women's Rights better, and whether we have ever pulled through in life, another individual, regardless of gender.
Hillary Clinton is putting up a fight, not only for herself, but for the Country she loves, and I admire all these extraordinary women who serve as an inspiration, not only to other females, but to people in their own right. Gloria Steinem is one of these activists, and a little respect goes a long way these days.
12
Why no questions to Ms. Steinem about Trump and the impact of the Tea Partiers on the rights of American women? Would have made a far timelier - and more compelling -- read.
3
Many years ago I was working on Bella Abzug's campaign for Mayor. Toward the campaign's end I was tasked with putting together a motorcade that would travel throughout the city going as far north as Coop City and as south as Coney Island. Having driven a taxi for four years while attending college, I was able to design a route with other campaign staffers, including Bella's daughter Liz, that that touched the most densely populated parts of the city. On the day of the motorcade, I was making sure everyone was in the car when I approached Bella and Ms. Steinem and said it was time. I opened the door for Ms. Steinem. She immediately admonished me as if she had been abused in that silky voice of hers by saying, "Don't you think I am capable of opening the door myself?" I said "wrong words", slammed the door shut and said the right words were "Thank you". Though I did not know her at alI personally, I looked at her books, scanned “Ms.” a few times and listened to some interviews and concluded that Gloria Steinem was an ideologically driven serial self-promoter whose magazine was little more than a glossy alternative to Cosmopolitan. In short, she was not really a serious person who instead had opted for celebrity.
16
Hold onto a grudge much?
3
I see that Gloria is especially silent on Muslim forced child marriage. On the suffering of Muslim women in the U.S. What's the matter Gloria? Are you a little conflicted? Go back to the 1970's. Your time has come and gone.
3
This was a fairly short article based, I assume, on a short interview. It did not cover every topic that is worthy and she can't be everywhere and solve every problem the world has. She is only one woman and she has done more than most of us ever hope to. And tell me, what have YOU done to make yourself proud lately?
15
You remember the song. Now you've read the story. Gloria.
2
Too bad that the Black Lives Matter movement doesn't have a spokesperson on the level of Ms. Steinem. As in the case of the Women's liberation movement, opponents vilified her for seeking equality. The BLM movement seeks respect for the lives of our fellow African America citizens. The "struggle" continues but essentially white men like the good old days when they were in total control.
3
I gave up on Gloria Steinem after reading she celebrated her 80th birthday riding an elephant in Asia. That to you, animal welfare! We feminist icons concentrate on our causes only.
4
We live in the age of Trump. Half the women on the street today wear less clothing than Steinem did as a Playboy bunny
8
Did Gloria Steinem actually further the cause-maybe just hers. Women's rights have degraded over the years except for a few lawsuits here and there. Respect for women has receded across the spectrum for women of my generation. While dating we are seen as gold diggers and worse. At work my co-workers who are also women use any means necessary to get ahead. I am not so sure Gloria did us any good. Then I see the Range Rover driving "Let's do lunch" group of non-working mothers in Fairfield County during lunch and think I took the wrong path.
5
Is what you observe due to Steinem's efforts or in spite of them? We do have free will to make choices, including bad ones. I saw many of my generation in reject the feminist label, despite benefitting from the efforts of feminist women who came before them.
12
Then sell the colonial and move to Haiti.
It's disappointing to read about the Bayview Correctional Facility and the fact that the building is being redesigned by female architects, for a female real estate developer.
Similar in concept to Black Entertainment Television, can you imagine what would be said if there was White Entertainment Television, true equality is hiring people with zero being said about color or gender.
Don't know if I'm correct or not but I am assuming the female architects were hired not only for quality of work but for being female as well. Same to be said for the developer. The squeaky wheel gets the most grease for sure but it would be equally as offensive if a male went out and was only willing to hire other men for the project.
True equality is recognizing that although women and men are different beyond just the physical both tend to be fully capable of doing the vast majority of the same jobs. In most scenarios there is no need to be gender-specific in hiring goals. The idea is to hire the best you can afford; a decision based on skill sets as opposed to whether the individual is a man or woman.
Similar in concept to Black Entertainment Television, can you imagine what would be said if there was White Entertainment Television, true equality is hiring people with zero being said about color or gender.
Don't know if I'm correct or not but I am assuming the female architects were hired not only for quality of work but for being female as well. Same to be said for the developer. The squeaky wheel gets the most grease for sure but it would be equally as offensive if a male went out and was only willing to hire other men for the project.
True equality is recognizing that although women and men are different beyond just the physical both tend to be fully capable of doing the vast majority of the same jobs. In most scenarios there is no need to be gender-specific in hiring goals. The idea is to hire the best you can afford; a decision based on skill sets as opposed to whether the individual is a man or woman.
8
Give it a rest! Women are generally more qualified than their male counterparts, because – across the board – men are still favored when it comes to hiring, promotions, and compensation.
13
Illegitimate rulers cannot rule without first dividing the people and then keeping them that way. If the people ever unite, the plutocrats are toast.
4
I'm sorry Gloria Steinhem, who did so much for us, now indulges in pronouncements better suited to the 1950s, 60s and 70s than to 2016.
9
Speak for yourself - many of us continue to find her and her work vibrant, revolutionary, and inspiring.
25
Since the backlash began, with Reagan, the push has been to return us all to the 1950s, or earlier. Across the country, women have been losing their constitutional right to control their bodies, and reactionaries like Pence are elevated to the highest levels. It ain't over until we have gender equality. It's that sounds a little stale to oblivious young women, so be it.
20
I read with great interest this finely written piece about a woman who has been my hero since the late 1960's! In addition, I immediately smiled at Ms. Steinem's beautiful photo as I also chose to age naturally decades ago and am 65 at this point.
Feminism became part of my life when I headed to college in 1969. It continues to be at the core of my values and the way I have lived my life, raised my older sons, and continue to care for my youngest son who happens to be 31 years old and was born with a genetic disability.
Ms. Steinem and Ms. magazine presented life-changing ideas regarding women's self-perception, decision-making, independence, self-respect and much much more. Her influence was huge for an entire generation of women whose lives were changed forever. Thank you NYT for the article and thank you Gloria for helping to change our world.
Feminism became part of my life when I headed to college in 1969. It continues to be at the core of my values and the way I have lived my life, raised my older sons, and continue to care for my youngest son who happens to be 31 years old and was born with a genetic disability.
Ms. Steinem and Ms. magazine presented life-changing ideas regarding women's self-perception, decision-making, independence, self-respect and much much more. Her influence was huge for an entire generation of women whose lives were changed forever. Thank you NYT for the article and thank you Gloria for helping to change our world.
48
Something out of the box for you thinking feminists...
On one very fine day some time ago, my wife and I were out taking on of our long evening walks to the park, when we encountered a small child, a boy maybe two or three years old, wearing a diaper, walking in the middle of a side street, one that people leaving the park often used to cut through the local neighborhood.
My wife reacted immediately...
"What is that child doing out in the street?"
I said, who knows...let's look around. We saw some other children we recognized as the child's siblings and called to them. They seemed uninterested, but reluctantly responded when urged to get the kid out of the street.
Okay, happy ending...
Now, consider this hypothetical: You are a man of about sixty, walking through the neighborhood. You see a very young child wandering alone in the street. No one is around. You have no phone.
What do you do?
Take the child's hand and go looking for the parents?
Absolutely not!
Direct traffic, if you want to help, but do not touch that child if you are a man.
On one very fine day some time ago, my wife and I were out taking on of our long evening walks to the park, when we encountered a small child, a boy maybe two or three years old, wearing a diaper, walking in the middle of a side street, one that people leaving the park often used to cut through the local neighborhood.
My wife reacted immediately...
"What is that child doing out in the street?"
I said, who knows...let's look around. We saw some other children we recognized as the child's siblings and called to them. They seemed uninterested, but reluctantly responded when urged to get the kid out of the street.
Okay, happy ending...
Now, consider this hypothetical: You are a man of about sixty, walking through the neighborhood. You see a very young child wandering alone in the street. No one is around. You have no phone.
What do you do?
Take the child's hand and go looking for the parents?
Absolutely not!
Direct traffic, if you want to help, but do not touch that child if you are a man.
11
Unfortunately, Taopraxis, this rings true. Now don't go singing an old Maurice Chevalier tune 'Thank goodness for Little Girls', or you may attract an audience and get arrested too.
4
You're blaming feminists for years of sexual abuse of young people by men?
8
Your story has zero to do with feminism.
8
Gloria has always been an inspiration to me. I bought and still have the first MS magazine. I also have a MSBEV license plate that I got over 40 years ago.
There are not many who continue to work for the advancement of women and PlanParenthood. I hope she is around for a long time.
There are not many who continue to work for the advancement of women and PlanParenthood. I hope she is around for a long time.
24
All women owe a debt to Gloria Steinam and the early pioneers of feminism. The danger is that young women today don't know about the battle for equal opportunity women fought on their behalf and the risk women's rights can move backwards. As much as politicians talk about their daughters, women still earn far less than men, even for equal work. Money is how people are valued in our modern society, so this matters. We need to remain vigilant. Thanks Gloria and long may you run!
33
Yes, the media has put a such a negitive spin on the word 'feminist' that many young women are afraid to engage with anything related to it. That same media exposes them to subtle mysogyny on a daily basis via all platforms. Most young people are capitalists first, unfortunately material gain is their main objective.
1
Ah, Gloria, how you dazzled, and in a way bewitched even the most chauvinistic. Once a beautiful witch named Kirke (Gloria) lived on the island of Aiaia (Manhattan) with Naiad Nymphs as her helpers ... her palace is set in a tranquil forest populated with docile animals that would otherwise be fierce if they had not been drugged/charmed into submission ... there is the strong possibility that the animals on Aiaia were once human beings that were changed into beasts to suit Kirke's (Glorious Gloria) whims.
It was fun, it was never boring, it was always seductive, and it lives on. At 82 Gloria's laugh and smile can still "bewitch" even the most macho among us. Go Gloria.
It was fun, it was never boring, it was always seductive, and it lives on. At 82 Gloria's laugh and smile can still "bewitch" even the most macho among us. Go Gloria.
7
These are not real issues.
I am a democrat. Voted twice for Obama. I dont need any candidates personal information and I completely disagree with all this fake need to see his tax returns. Its wrong. No candidate owes us their personal life. I dont get to see her or him in bed, talking to their kids, feeding their dog, or paying their taxes, or buying a boat, or paying for a massage.
Come on. Wasting time on petty issues like this takes away from the real issues.
Its why America is hurting so bad.
Nobody cares about this.
In Europe they dont care at all about a person's personal life. They care where he stands on REAL ISSUES.
Every time we talk about fake issues we get away from real ones.
Nobody is going to be convinced by Fake issues
I am a democrat. Voted twice for Obama. I dont need any candidates personal information and I completely disagree with all this fake need to see his tax returns. Its wrong. No candidate owes us their personal life. I dont get to see her or him in bed, talking to their kids, feeding their dog, or paying their taxes, or buying a boat, or paying for a massage.
Come on. Wasting time on petty issues like this takes away from the real issues.
Its why America is hurting so bad.
Nobody cares about this.
In Europe they dont care at all about a person's personal life. They care where he stands on REAL ISSUES.
Every time we talk about fake issues we get away from real ones.
Nobody is going to be convinced by Fake issues
9
"Guys in the media chose Gloria as our leader." Nyuk. The truth is that if she reps feminism at all, it is one that became outdated in the 70s, when feminism began to investigate the construction of gender. Hers remains an essentialist approach to the idea of women that even Beauvoir would have rejected.
3
As an Afro-American, I agree that Gloria Steinem would be the best choice for Hillary to pick to follow the singularly successful term of John Kerry for our new Secretary of State.
I want her to be solving the Gobal Warming problem!
I want her to be solving the Gobal Warming problem!
6
Don't die, but if you feel you must, you should do so with a smirk on your face. You made the world a much better place while utilizing your clever wit. No one human, even in this very crowded world, could ask for more.
9
The link reported here between Gloria and New York is more crucial than is made explicit: a real history of the Women's Movement and its growth would be far more than what NY media view of it would tell. All due credit to her, but it's a big country out there and a lot was going on.
2
Feminism benefits from diverse adherents and leaders. As a lifelong feminist and founder of a non-profit serving women, I agree with Gloria that the most hurtful thing is to be attacked by other women for not being "feminist" enough. I've learned that humor can be disarming and listening and affirming another point of view goes a lot further towards achieving empathy and understanding than anger and defensiveness. When men asked me why my organization didn't help men, I always said, with a smile, "It's not that I don't think men need help." It never failed to get a laugh. And then I went on to explain why we targeted our services to women.
18
You still don´t get it after all these years. It´s not "empathy and understanding" women need, it´s equality.
And someone who targets services to women without fighting for their right to be 100% equal to men is not worthy of the name "feminist."
And someone who targets services to women without fighting for their right to be 100% equal to men is not worthy of the name "feminist."
We will never be equal to men because we are not men. I want to be a siamese cat-but I never will be. We are different and no judge in the land can change that. Like who you are and can be-not what a legislator will give you.
1
You misunderstand my comment. I've fought every day for the past 30 years for women to be 100% equal and your comment only illustrates my point. If the only way we interact with people is with anger, they won't hear us. That's not to say that I don't get angry (often).
2
Thank you Ms. Steinem for all you've done for not only women but all thinking people. And a pox on those who criticize your work and path, as if there was only one way to get where we are today. While I myself wasn't a leader in the women's movement, I like to believe that standing up throughout my own 68 years to address injustice in the workplace and community has made a difference for myself and others. My motto: It takes a village!
34
Feminism - does it mean women getting unequal treatment than men? Men are also at receiving end from women. We talk of sexual harassment of women at workplace or elsewhere. What about sexual harassment of men,it is not talked about much? What are Miss world shows - only skin is shown,and that too of women. There are fashion shows for men,but men are fully covered - men feel more shy than women in flaunting their bodies. Why divide the world on the basis of men and women? Why not talk about gender equality? We celebrate international woman's year,but not an international day of gender equality. Marital laws in many nations are gender-biased,favouring women . I used to write on careers for young women,for India's first magazine for working women ,"Beautiful Working Woman". I was asked that do I meet only beautiful woman - my answer was that the beauty does not lie in skin,one has to be beautiful in the heart. A woman's worst enemy is another woman,and not a man. If the custodial parent is a woman,she may prevent her daughter from enjoying the love,affection,and access of her father - the non-custodial parent. Or in a joint family,the daughter-in-law,mother-in-law,and the sister-in-law are always at tug of war with one another. Why a mother-in-law is always portrayed as a villain,by the daughter-in-law,and not the vice versa?
2
Young women today can't relate to the struggles we women had years ago while many that have aged seem to forget them too. I too am standing behind Clinton because according to most it seems no woman could fill that position. Thank you Gloria because we are where we are today because of your endless fighting for women's rights .
14
I had no respect for GS when I was much younger. But as I got older and fathered a daughter, I suddenly realized GS was an eye-opener for me. Yes, I have moved to her side -- thank you Gloria Steinem, you are a pathfinder for the rights of women of all ages, and a lot of men as well.
9
Thank you and brava, Gloria! I loved reading about you, I admire you and I am so grateful for what you have accomplished and for how much change you have inspired.
11
Doors have been opened for women, and they have proven to be as corrupt and incompetent as many men.
Some revolution!
Some revolution!
7
We have opened doors for ourselves, and have achieved much. If the results of your life are unsatisfactory, that's your problem and your responsibility. Nothing will change for you until you try hard enough to make a difference.
10
Kathy misses my point. Gender doesn't trump (pardon the pun) human nature/morality.
Reality is more complex, but I enjoyed your change of subject.
Reality is more complex, but I enjoyed your change of subject.
1
I'm 70 years old (and a women). What doors are you referring to that have "been opened for me"? I had to pushed hard on some doors while men tried to hold them closed from the inside. The view inside was not very appealing. I was told I needed to "act more like one of the guys" to succeed. Let's reserve judgement on the revolution until women are in control the way men have been for millenia. Let's see how you like doing everything the female way.
5
Social Engineering architect, CIA asset, when was her thought original and when was she following orders; and what responsibility does she have for lying all those years.
When you are on a secret payroll and you spew doctrines designed to bankrupt morality, destroy the American family and Christian values, it is hardly a hero but just another lying, cheating CIA asset...
When you are on a secret payroll and you spew doctrines designed to bankrupt morality, destroy the American family and Christian values, it is hardly a hero but just another lying, cheating CIA asset...
7
How sad that you should think that equal rights for girls and women destroys anything. We have as much (or more) capacity in every area of human endeavor as anyone. Preventing any group of people from achieving everything they can hobbles everyone. Women have been great inventors; a woman was the first computer programmer - if you look down on us so much, feel free to protest by shutting down your computer and never touching it again.
12
For those of us who came of age in the 60's and 70's, Gloria Steinem represented the quintessential woman upon which we could all learn as we struggled (and continue to struggle) with the society roles that hindered both women and also, men. Her brains, her articulateness, her beauty and yes, sexuality defined the completeness of our lives to which we could aspire.
And for many of us, happy workaholics, passionate about the work we love and do even in our 60's and 70's, especially if we are committed to work that encompasses and improves the lives of others, we continue to be led by the presence of Ms. Steinem. I'm often struck by the freedom of movement and expression that my own 24-year old takes as her right. I thank Ms. Steinem and all of the pioneering feminists of all races and religions, that enabled us to unconsciously provide a framework for our sons and daughters, that engenders greater parity, empathy and human progress. Shine on!
And for many of us, happy workaholics, passionate about the work we love and do even in our 60's and 70's, especially if we are committed to work that encompasses and improves the lives of others, we continue to be led by the presence of Ms. Steinem. I'm often struck by the freedom of movement and expression that my own 24-year old takes as her right. I thank Ms. Steinem and all of the pioneering feminists of all races and religions, that enabled us to unconsciously provide a framework for our sons and daughters, that engenders greater parity, empathy and human progress. Shine on!
18
Gloria Steinem whom I both wrote about for a magazine cover story and for "MS" in its infancy, is a thoroughly decent and honorable human being. I remember well a meeting at "MS" and her fair-mindedness and respect for everyone there. Often she lectured with another terrific person, the late Flo Kennedy. Gloria could have had any major anchor job at any network, but she was too political, and she never betrayed her deeply felt and unwavering commitment to advancing women's rights. I have seen her exhausted from traveling the country in this quest and I am not surprised she is still at it. Bravo, Gloria Steinem.
19
Hurricane Gloria. Needed now as much as ever.
7
Can you be a feminist if you don't condemn the militarism that Clinton boldly and openly professes? I'm not sure. Clinton might be better for women in the US but what about women in Iraq and Syria? I'm not saying you can't support Hillary but you don't have to be so uncritical about it. I cringe when I hear HRC talk about continuing and even expanding Obama's drone attacks and I wonder what Clinton's militarism has done for women in the middle east? I'd like to hear Steinem answer that question.
7
Maybe Ms Steinem should have run for President to break the gender ceiling, rather than the candidate we're stuck with. Or perhaps to be a politician these days calls for a particular kind of unscrupulous and ambitious modus operandi that many women who played big roles in social and political movements in their lives are not cut for. I wonder how Michelle Bachelard in Chile was able to make the transition, and she did it quite well. Steinem could not have made it on her own into the presidency, you still need strong men behind you in our political system.. And Hillary comes from dark shadows with her hubby and to dark shadows she will lead us. Certainly not as dark and crass as those the Donald walks, but scary nonetheless.
3
This couldn't be more timely.
I was still reeling, this evening, from reading the news about the audio tape revealed this evening about the misogynist running for president, bragging about his sexual assaults, when I came across this article about Gloria Steinem, a woman who has been an inspiration in my life since 1963.
Her life, her story, her actions and essence have been in service to lifting up women and girls to the fullness of their being... the perfect antidote I was so needing to be reminded of tonight.
Gloria Steinem was a role model before that term was even in use!
I recall going to the newstand that stood, for decades, on the corner of 42nd and Fifth, to pick up "SHOW" magazine (along with "The Realist" and "A Minority of One") back when I was a junior in high school. My introduction to Ms. Steinem was reading her now legendary Playboy expose, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
"MS." began publication when I was in grad school, doing research for my dissertation, which focused on sex-role stereotypes.
This well-named glorious woman has never slowed down!
She continues to gift us all with her "compassion in action".
Thank You!
I was still reeling, this evening, from reading the news about the audio tape revealed this evening about the misogynist running for president, bragging about his sexual assaults, when I came across this article about Gloria Steinem, a woman who has been an inspiration in my life since 1963.
Her life, her story, her actions and essence have been in service to lifting up women and girls to the fullness of their being... the perfect antidote I was so needing to be reminded of tonight.
Gloria Steinem was a role model before that term was even in use!
I recall going to the newstand that stood, for decades, on the corner of 42nd and Fifth, to pick up "SHOW" magazine (along with "The Realist" and "A Minority of One") back when I was a junior in high school. My introduction to Ms. Steinem was reading her now legendary Playboy expose, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
"MS." began publication when I was in grad school, doing research for my dissertation, which focused on sex-role stereotypes.
This well-named glorious woman has never slowed down!
She continues to gift us all with her "compassion in action".
Thank You!
13
How do you know when you're done? When you say something like this:
'And, when you’re young, you’re thinking, where are the boys? The boys are with Bernie...”'
'And, when you’re young, you’re thinking, where are the boys? The boys are with Bernie...”'
6
A person is not a single statement they make, but a lifetime of statements and actions. Everyone has a bad day, makes a mistake, says something that doesn't necessarily define them in total. You sshould get over it, and look beyond it. There's so much more to see here.
2
She is one of the giants upon whose shoulders the future will stand. One for the ages. So much innovation, so much relentless, persistent bravery.
4
Gloria - YOLO! You really lived your life!
Thanks for making mine better.
Thanks for making mine better.
4
She must be an icon, because any male or Republican female who said young women only supported Obama and Sanders to get boys would be rightly pilloried as sexist, arrogant and ignorant.
If women's rights were truly important to her, she would stood up for the powerless women abused by Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy, instead of shilling for them. She is the left's equivalent of the Fox News women who supported Trump and Ailes' abuse of women.
If women's rights were truly important to her, she would stood up for the powerless women abused by Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy, instead of shilling for them. She is the left's equivalent of the Fox News women who supported Trump and Ailes' abuse of women.
7
She apologized. Even an icon can be glib enough to make a statement like that, but do your research before dismissing her -- indeed she is an icon, and all of us who have benefitted from her activism need to understand her role before rejecting her for one (or even a few) boneheaded observations.
2
Trump apologized, too--do you forgive him?
If you do your research, you will find she did far more for herself than for blue collar/pink collar women.
If you do your research, you will find she did far more for herself than for blue collar/pink collar women.
1
It should be noted that Julia Child worked for what would become the CIA during WW2.
Have come to like Ms. Steinem, but admit that it bugged me in the past that the second wave feminist movement, Ms magazine always seemed more NYC, ivy league educated women, than middle America where the majority of women resided. Even now one rarely sees a woman from middle American who is a feminist and a leader being noted in the media and that bothers me.
When I read how excited she was that the former Bayview Correctional Facility in Chelsea becoming a hub for organizations serving women and is being redesigned by female architects, for a female real estate developer I admit I winced since it sounds sexist to only have women involved. Aren't there feminist men have mothers, wives, daughters who are also architects etc?
Have come to like Ms. Steinem, but admit that it bugged me in the past that the second wave feminist movement, Ms magazine always seemed more NYC, ivy league educated women, than middle America where the majority of women resided. Even now one rarely sees a woman from middle American who is a feminist and a leader being noted in the media and that bothers me.
When I read how excited she was that the former Bayview Correctional Facility in Chelsea becoming a hub for organizations serving women and is being redesigned by female architects, for a female real estate developer I admit I winced since it sounds sexist to only have women involved. Aren't there feminist men have mothers, wives, daughters who are also architects etc?
1
Julia Child also went to Smith, as I recall, as did my very own sister, although my sister dropped out for whatever reason. I never asked her why...
1
When I heard about Steinem's book and her growing up, being transported with her family in a trailer, i felt very close to her, because my father took all five of us around the country in the fifties with a trailer to sell his self-invented plant vitamins.
But after her comment that girls went to Bernie Sanders 'because that's where the boys are', I realized that she was no feminist. Her support for the hawk/corporate values Clinton also inspired my disdain. Pity.
But after her comment that girls went to Bernie Sanders 'because that's where the boys are', I realized that she was no feminist. Her support for the hawk/corporate values Clinton also inspired my disdain. Pity.
10
Played by the capitalists...
2
Well if it doesn’t apply to you, why are you so defensive? She doth protest too much, or something along those lines.
The truth of it is, there are some girls who follow the boys, Bernie Boys in this case, and that’s always been true. So what. There are all kinds. Maybe it isn’t you. Oh, but then it becomes an excuse to generate anger and resentment out of proportion to the statement, starting a vendetta, license to disregard every other fabulous action and statement from the last 50+ years from Hillary and Gloria and other women who fought for the rights you now enjoy. Good luck with your credibility.
I don’t blame Gloria for becoming annoyed while listening to some of the bubbleheads of your generation spout off because it’s so clear that you have done so little to inform yourselves about what all it took just to get here that you’d so blithely write off Hillary and Gloria ("she's no feminist"), acting as if you have all the answers when in fact you have so few.
The truth of it is, there are some girls who follow the boys, Bernie Boys in this case, and that’s always been true. So what. There are all kinds. Maybe it isn’t you. Oh, but then it becomes an excuse to generate anger and resentment out of proportion to the statement, starting a vendetta, license to disregard every other fabulous action and statement from the last 50+ years from Hillary and Gloria and other women who fought for the rights you now enjoy. Good luck with your credibility.
I don’t blame Gloria for becoming annoyed while listening to some of the bubbleheads of your generation spout off because it’s so clear that you have done so little to inform yourselves about what all it took just to get here that you’d so blithely write off Hillary and Gloria ("she's no feminist"), acting as if you have all the answers when in fact you have so few.
4
This was a great point. And I wish more people could see that blanket denunciations that do not consider the depth and breadth of history and experience are self defeating. Worse they are nation defeating. Feminists don't need to agree about everything to be feminists. It's a human tragedy that so many place their focus on the one idea/action that separates us, then all those that unite us. We need to appreciate & respect each others' differences, and that's one thing people far and wide are always so incredibly resistant to.
2
Gloria Steinem makes the world a better place for everyone, with perception, grace, intelligence, wit, beauty, and action. Bravo!
22
Steinem represents those feminists a generation past who fought the good fights. But I'm not sure if young women these days would look up to her as a shining beacon anymore. Younger women are taught that they can have it all, exhibit A being Sandberg who preaches lean-in, and God forbids, if you don't, it's your own fault, not the system's. Madonna has shown us all that what girl power can be, even if it means dressing up and acting like a hooker. And God's willing, if you want to throw it all away and be a stay-home mom, all the power to you. As to all those gains that Steinem's generations and earlier had fought for, it's a given for most women, particularly the white educated class. It's a different times indeed. No wonder Steinem comes out swinging at younger women's shunning HRC and her chance to be the first female president, and how they responded in kind to her criticism with nothing but dismissal.
4
Her place in history is secure. Who in modern America fought harder for us, always represented our interests with intelligence, humor and grit. She was the perfect representative when we needed one and it took guts to put herself out there in the early 70s when the response to feminism was generally so ugly, demeaning and hostile. People forget how brutal it was for that group of writers and activists. Andrea Dworkin was a hero yet was brutally harassed when she appeared in public.
There's never been a moment when we couldn't be proud of Gloria Steinem.
Thank you, Gloria, from the bottom of my heart.
There's never been a moment when we couldn't be proud of Gloria Steinem.
Thank you, Gloria, from the bottom of my heart.
5
Steinem is an intellectual, which explains how she remains so damn nice, despite being a celebrity.
Her lifetime of support for women, along with those other great women from the 2nd Wave, Betty Friedan, Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisolm and Eleanor Holmes Norton, was not the norm in the 70s when the promoted view was that women were just in constant competition with each other for a man.
Hence the great quote from Steinem: "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle."
I'm still laughing about that one.
Her lifetime of support for women, along with those other great women from the 2nd Wave, Betty Friedan, Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisolm and Eleanor Holmes Norton, was not the norm in the 70s when the promoted view was that women were just in constant competition with each other for a man.
Hence the great quote from Steinem: "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle."
I'm still laughing about that one.
3
She has had a remarkable career, and was a pioneer. But this is the second article in the NY Times with her picture in just a few days. She was on the cover of Vanity Fair this year. You come a way with an uneasy feeling she needs attention.
3
A media-generated feminist icon whose take on women's equality is to support a Presidential candidate "because she is a woman". What, NYT? No flattering pieces on Phyllis Schaffly?
5
A class act. Those were tough times starting in the 1960s when we haltingly began to gain consciousness. Gloria fought the good fight. Still fighting. It’s been a long, difficult struggle and Gloria has helped move it along, and she knows it’s a struggle that requires vigilance because it won’t ever end. I feel nothing but a deep respect and admiration for her and for her work. From her early book ‘Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions’ the chapter ‘Ruth’s Song, Because She Could Not Sing It’ made me weep. The newest book ‘My Life On The Road’ a real surprise. I thought I knew her but her life has been so deep and fulfilling. She’s so damned smart. Thanks Gloria, it’s been good to share the journey with you.
2
At 67, Gloria is my hero!
3
Thank you, Ms. Steinem. You changed my life (for the better) when I was a teenager in the 1970s.
4
Kinda hard to care.
1
Nice vignette by John Leland. To young readers here, I'll cite from the article:
"In 1969, when she was writing for New York magazine, she considered running for city comptroller on a ticket with Norman Mailer and Jimmy Breslin, whose platform included building a monorail around Manhattan."
It was, indeed, a time.
As for Steinem's Left Wing detractors, it's difficult being an ideologue because of the inherent idealism in extremist groups. It's the same for the the Right. Steinem is criticized for not fulfilling a role as a Christ figure.
Gloria Steinem exposed the sexism that (hopefully) was in our society. One only needs to see the 1950's photograph of Joseph McCarthy with his retinue in Nick Kristof's recent article. They're all men. That's the way it was.
My father's company, a big one, had a woman on the board of directors in the 1950's. I knew her when I was a child, and really liked her. I admired her. To me, as a child, she was simply on the board of directors. I grew up with no sexist inclinations. This woman had started as a secretary in the company, maybe a woman's "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying". I like to think that Gloria Steinem paved the way for all women to assume this role, and be viewed by society as I, as a child, viewed a woman on a board of directors in the 1950's. Normal.
Young women today will not understand that. Maybe that's an indication of the great influence that Gloria Steinem has had on our culture.
"In 1969, when she was writing for New York magazine, she considered running for city comptroller on a ticket with Norman Mailer and Jimmy Breslin, whose platform included building a monorail around Manhattan."
It was, indeed, a time.
As for Steinem's Left Wing detractors, it's difficult being an ideologue because of the inherent idealism in extremist groups. It's the same for the the Right. Steinem is criticized for not fulfilling a role as a Christ figure.
Gloria Steinem exposed the sexism that (hopefully) was in our society. One only needs to see the 1950's photograph of Joseph McCarthy with his retinue in Nick Kristof's recent article. They're all men. That's the way it was.
My father's company, a big one, had a woman on the board of directors in the 1950's. I knew her when I was a child, and really liked her. I admired her. To me, as a child, she was simply on the board of directors. I grew up with no sexist inclinations. This woman had started as a secretary in the company, maybe a woman's "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying". I like to think that Gloria Steinem paved the way for all women to assume this role, and be viewed by society as I, as a child, viewed a woman on a board of directors in the 1950's. Normal.
Young women today will not understand that. Maybe that's an indication of the great influence that Gloria Steinem has had on our culture.
59
She implies a close relationship of camaraderie with Norman Mailer in the 1970s; Mailer was about as far from respecting women as Trump is.
Ms. Gloria Steinem is my hero. She got my attention when she did the Playboy Mansion expose because it was so gutsy to go after "the man". Then Ms. Magazine showed women of that time- who were going into the workplace and to universities with plans to participate fully in society - how to make it. She never gave up and most women of that time didn't either.
She must be very proud, as I am, to be able to vote for our next President - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Now Gloria and other women of America let's finally pass that damn Equal Rights Amendment to OUR Constitution. We got sidetracked in the male backlash of the last 40+ years so let's get it done while we're still kicking!
She must be very proud, as I am, to be able to vote for our next President - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Now Gloria and other women of America let's finally pass that damn Equal Rights Amendment to OUR Constitution. We got sidetracked in the male backlash of the last 40+ years so let's get it done while we're still kicking!
88
And yet 'the man' at Playboy became a major funder of her causes.
1
Important that she influence young women. Not sure she can do it. Not sure they can relate. Not sure I know to whom young women are relating.
23
J L.S. excellent observation when one hears in survey after survey that younger women don't like Hillary, don't think she is honest etc. Thus I do wonder whom do young women look up to these days as feminist leaders?
1
Berni r Sanders. Jill Stein.
2
Best Gloria Steinem quote ever, a hybrid of Oscar Wilde and Mae West:
"If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament."
Oh la, la!
"If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament."
Oh la, la!
95
In her book she does not take credit for that quote-she says it was a taxi driver (woman) and she wished she had her name.
1
If men could get pregnant, abortion would still be murder.
1
I have loved and been inspired by you Gloria since the first issue of Ms Magazine came out when I was in high school.
Here's wishing you many more years of promoting the cause of women around the world. Might you consider working for Hillary Clinton when she is elected?
Here's wishing you many more years of promoting the cause of women around the world. Might you consider working for Hillary Clinton when she is elected?
34
Women would have the same progress without Gloria Steinem . I think she put women into the dark by supporting Clinton just because she is a woman. There are women smart enough to know when a woman is totally unqualified for the job. Times have changed - women know better than to vote for a woman who is nothing more than a woman scorned. Gloria should be smart enough to know Clinton got to be sec of state as a political payoff because Obama got their support. These facts do make Clinton qualified. Smart and liberated women know better.
29
why would you think gender is the basis for her Hillary support? I don't get it....
I disagree. It is highly important for women to break one of the last glass ceilings around: namely the presidency. And other women will benefit from Hillary Clinton breaking this glass ceiling. I support Hillary Clinton in part, not entirely, because she is a woman because I want to have equal freedoms and rights and benefits as men have, and glass ceilings prevent me from having full equality. Of course, that is one reason I support Hillary Clinton, and that a man, even a Joe Biden or a Bernie Sanders, could not provide to me. I am smart and liberated, and those things are why I support electing a woman like Hillary Clinton for president.
1
Funny
I am proud to call myself a feminist. And I have women and men, like Gloria Steinem, to thank for working as feminists before me. Gloria Steinem was a tireless groundbreaker and she has helped to usher in a whole new landscape for younger women.
47
Many thanks to Gloria for being a wonderful role model to this 60+ year old woman. You wrote in one of your essays, probably in the 70's, something to the effect "If men menstruated we would have federally funded tampax." I remember cracking up, and thinking "oh so true."
89
Thank you for the tremendous article about the woman - Gloria Steinem - and the movement (feminism) that has always been a mystery to me.
I now better understand the woman but must confess that feminism in this day and age is still an ideological blur.
Are there still glass ceilings with respect to sex? Given the likes of Marissa Mayer or Ginni Rometty?
Is the oppression of women still worrisome in the US in 2016?
If so why?
I live in Mexico - and have been fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the world, developed and otherwise - and it has been my experience that the notion of oppression is fostered by those politicos who stand to profit from the unrest and resultant discontinuity.
In all humbleness, I stand to be corrected. So fire away.
I now better understand the woman but must confess that feminism in this day and age is still an ideological blur.
Are there still glass ceilings with respect to sex? Given the likes of Marissa Mayer or Ginni Rometty?
Is the oppression of women still worrisome in the US in 2016?
If so why?
I live in Mexico - and have been fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the world, developed and otherwise - and it has been my experience that the notion of oppression is fostered by those politicos who stand to profit from the unrest and resultant discontinuity.
In all humbleness, I stand to be corrected. So fire away.
19
Women in this county are still threatened with the the possibility that they may may not be able to make medical decisions regarding their own bodies. Idiological concerns hope to make these descisions for them. So I ask you in humbleness, what should be done about this?
Feminist ideology= choice.
It's that simple.
If you really don't believe that women (and girls) are subject to overt and subterranean expressions of prejudice; if you don't quite believe that sexism is institutionalized; if you can't quite convince yourself that men start with a leg up ($1.00 for every 70¢ women make); or if you aren't disturbed by men continuing to impose their will on the delivery of women's healthcare...then YOU need feminism.
Actually, we all do.
It's that simple.
If you really don't believe that women (and girls) are subject to overt and subterranean expressions of prejudice; if you don't quite believe that sexism is institutionalized; if you can't quite convince yourself that men start with a leg up ($1.00 for every 70¢ women make); or if you aren't disturbed by men continuing to impose their will on the delivery of women's healthcare...then YOU need feminism.
Actually, we all do.
1
A few examples of women breaking the glass ceiling does not mean that feminism is not necessary or that oppression does not exist.
A major party candidate for President regularly taunts women based on their appearance, presumed sexual history, and now is on record for bragging about sexual assault. And people are still voting for him.
We need feminism and the women's right movement more than ever.
A major party candidate for President regularly taunts women based on their appearance, presumed sexual history, and now is on record for bragging about sexual assault. And people are still voting for him.
We need feminism and the women's right movement more than ever.
5
Steinem is a media promoted "icon" who succeded under favorable conditions. The world is full of genuinely liberated and strong women who are not propped up by the wealthy elite, but survive and lead even when it is not easy. They are not obvious, since there is very little interest by journalist who would rather go to Manhattan cocktail parties to mingle with the 1% then grovel at the feet of the likes of the fabricated ones.
24
The fault is with the media, not with Ms. Steinem.
2
Anr as the article noted the media liked her because she was pretty. The media still prefer attractive people.
2
Movements require leaders. Gloria Steinem is a leader.
4
Sorry she was called 'cracker.' As a person who is "part of a group" not everyone who is will treat others as such. She took umbrage for a silly reason.
1
I didn't get the sense from the article that she took umbrage at being called a cracker but was just shaken by the experience of being dehumanized into a category because of the color of her skin. I think it says a lot about her that she reflected on her feelings, learned from the experience, and then was able to articulate the insight.
4
It didn't sound like umbrage as much as "being shaken", as she was described, by being bullied and intimidated away from the bench created with her name on it and to honor her, or maybe just being spoken to in a threatening way to keep her away from the monopolized bench.
1
What an inspiration. This article makes me proud and grateful to have lived during the time of Gloria Steinem and Hippies and Feminists.
27
We who have lived during this time (1944----) have been certainly privileged, to have experienced the amazing changes our world has gone through, and Ms. Steinem has been a catalyst for much change.
She should start by rebuking contemporary feminists/bullies, who are only dividing men and women. If she has done so already, she needs to do it better.
7
This woman is so accomplished and fascinating.
26
Gloria Steinham has helped me own my power and be fundamentally proud of being a woman.
22
I always - since the Sixties - thought the world of Gloria Steinem, until I heard her opine that the passionate, intelligent, committed, energetic, politically aware young women I was meeting as a volunteer for Bernie Sanders were only involved in his campaign because "that's where the boys are."
And people wonder why the Clinton campaign doesn't connect with millenials. They don't have amnesia!
And people wonder why the Clinton campaign doesn't connect with millenials. They don't have amnesia!
40
See, Steinem cannot stand the thoughts that women can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men to fight for the same causes, as the younger generations do these days. For her, women, as feminists, have to stand apart in order to distinguish themselves. There's a certain amount of insecurity on her part to think along that line, and she certainly gives too little credit for how fiercely independent millennial women can be. No wonder they can't relate to her these days as she is but part of a history book to them.
3
Very depressing coda to a remarkable life, I'm afraid. I was shocked and exasperated when I heard her and Sec. Albright on their speeches dismissing young women working for Sanders. Bernie Sanders has stood for the rights and views of Ms. Steinem's all the years she's worked for civil rights, why was she dismissing him? And his youthful supporters? It was a sad sign that she is as out of touch with young women who, through the decades, have been the force of her movement. Starting with me, way back when. As we say in my business, 'move or get out of the way.'
3
Steinem's peripatetic advocacy went astray with her support of the "satanic ritual abuse" day-care myth, even to the point of financing the excavation of the McMartin Preschool's imaginary tunnels. I'm sure the wrongfully prosecuted defendants in such cases would welcome her getting right on this issue, however belatedly.....
16
But why mention that sorry episode and spoil this whole breathlees puff piece written by her friends at The Times? (It actually looks to be written by a publicist, not a journalist, but why quibble.) We're here to celebrate the amazing and perfect Ms.Steinem --and to help her promote her new book, of course!
3
I love you, Gloria, for ALL that you have done for women and men throughout your amazing life. I, too, am 82 , and an activist all my life. I especially loved your comment "My funeral will be a fund-raiser!" Mine, too!
40
GLORIA!!!
22
Always inspiring.
34
I was in college and already a budding feminist when Steinem came on the scene. Let me tell you: she wasn't the first feminist (it would actually be hard to determine who might hold that title). But she was the soft spoken, articulate, firm but not angry, AND beautiful feminist; and that was important at a time when feminists were accused of being women who just couldn't "get" a man, of being ugly and washed up, and of hating men. She made use of ALL of her gifts, thank goodness; and she has made my entire life better as a result.
116
Well thank god feminism got a non-ugly, non-confrontational spokeswoman, eh?
2
Yes, that's one of Steinem's "gifts," to be as pretty as she has been. It sure gives credence to her bunny expose as a playmate, giving it an almost glamorous side to being a feminist. She sure uses all the tools in her toolbox.
2
I thought that was one of the less appealing parts of the article about Steinem, when the writer noted that Steinem was "younger than Betty Freidan..." and, of course, that is an obvious fact, but it is what it implies that is troubling. Gloria Steinem was acceptable to men and to women who were concerned (consciously or not) with what was acceptable to men at least in part because she was/is "pretty", whereas Freidan and other feminist leaders of the time were not considered "pretty." Yes, as others have said here, she "used all of her gifts, " but too often doing so seemed to be too much involved with what is called "the male gaze" and thus, in many ways, her assumption of a leadership role was confusing and troubling to many of us. Realizing that being "pretty" is not a fault and not her fault, in our society it is a "thing." Should it have caused her to deny her full self or her calling in life? No, of course not, but sometimes the ways in which she "used her gifts" has been troubling and confusing.
1
Just read Gloria's book "My Life on the Road". We are so lucky that a woman like Gloria also liked to travel and work so hard. She spread the feminist message far and wide in this country giving speeches and listening and talking to so many people. Far from being just for upper class women she has championed the causes of all those in need with many diverse causes.
For the baby boomer women of my generation she is our Joan of Arc. I send lots of love to her and wish her all the very best. She changed my life.
For the baby boomer women of my generation she is our Joan of Arc. I send lots of love to her and wish her all the very best. She changed my life.
48
I would marry her in a second.
16
not me. her fingernails are creeping me out
1
A very shallow women. One can see in her eyes that even a long life has not brought her peace.
11
Andre she is a serious person. Yes, she has a great smile, yes I wish the first photo was of her smiling. But as the article also noted she had some serious back pain the day of the interview. Give me a break!
Shallow? As in someone who cares only about appearances--physical, social, material and otherwise?
That hardly describes Gloria Steinem. She has fought to improve women's rights for decades, and she can be credited, along with other feminists, for gaining many new rights for younger women. Gloria Steinem doesn't care excessively about appearances--look what she did when the man called her a "cracker" in front of a journalist. Did she get upset or worried or angry that she might appear out of tune with other New Yorkers who aren't middle-class, white women? She tried to listen to and connect with that man, and she learned from him. That's a real relationship not a superficial impression she's trying to create for the journalist.
That hardly describes Gloria Steinem. She has fought to improve women's rights for decades, and she can be credited, along with other feminists, for gaining many new rights for younger women. Gloria Steinem doesn't care excessively about appearances--look what she did when the man called her a "cracker" in front of a journalist. Did she get upset or worried or angry that she might appear out of tune with other New Yorkers who aren't middle-class, white women? She tried to listen to and connect with that man, and she learned from him. That's a real relationship not a superficial impression she's trying to create for the journalist.
6
Shallow? She has an ambitious mission to improve the status of women and as her years are running down, she still sees much to do. That is far from shallow. I so admire and thank her for her perseverance, while most her age have turned inward. We can feel at peace personally but none of us should feel at peace with the state of the world.
3
Speaking as a man, I was always so thrilled when I worked on lower Fifth Avenue in the late 1980's and I would see Ms. Steinem walking to the Ms. Foundation's offices near my office. It was energizing to see her going about her business then and I'm still so impressed by her focus, energy and unrelenting view of what's right and fair. Strong and empowered women make the world a better place.
96
I'm a 77 year old male who has unabashedly and unapologetically followed and championed Gloria for,....... well, pretty much forever now. She gives true meaning to the phrases 'Class Act' and 'Champion [of a cause].'
Keep going Gloria - "Miles to go before you sleep."
Keep going Gloria - "Miles to go before you sleep."
106
In light of what the Church Committee revealed in the 1970's, it is hard to take Ms. Steinem's word here regarding her support from the CIA. In part, Gloria Steinem exists as the media personality and feminist icon we know of because of the CIA. As indicated, she was recruited to disrupt and spy on leftist and socialist organizations in Europe. "Ms." Magazine was partially funded by the CIA. Many early contacts and early media coverage that launched her career was because of Cord Meyer in the CIA. She certainly did some great things over her career but whenever her name comes up, it just makes me think of CIA's Operation Mockingbird planting their assets throughout the media to surreptitiously shape the national narrative. No wonder Ms. Steinem scorned Bernie Sanders so much and instead favors Hillary Clinton!
16
If the CIA was truly as involved in her rise and impact as you say--evidence?--my response is, "They finally got SOMETHING right!"
4
Speaking as one slightly older American man (64), I never considered Gloria Steinem particularly edgy or controversial.
In 1975 or so, I sat maybe ten feet away from Betty Friedan and listened to her answer questions after a lecture. Similarly, I was not particularly moved.
What's the big deal I thought?
People like Hannah Arendt, Camille Paglia and Simone De Beauvoir impressed me, though.
Dorthy Parker seemed hip to me, based upon my readings.
All said, my basic feeling is that the women's liberation movement of the 1970's was a hollow echo of the women's suffrage movement, the flapper era, and the entry of women into the workforce associated with the war years of the forties.
To me, modern women appear to have been played by the capitalists for their labor commodity value. I certainly wish it were otherwise.
My advice to women who want to achieve true liberation is simple:
Liberate everyone because you will never be free while your men labor in debt and servitude.
In 1975 or so, I sat maybe ten feet away from Betty Friedan and listened to her answer questions after a lecture. Similarly, I was not particularly moved.
What's the big deal I thought?
People like Hannah Arendt, Camille Paglia and Simone De Beauvoir impressed me, though.
Dorthy Parker seemed hip to me, based upon my readings.
All said, my basic feeling is that the women's liberation movement of the 1970's was a hollow echo of the women's suffrage movement, the flapper era, and the entry of women into the workforce associated with the war years of the forties.
To me, modern women appear to have been played by the capitalists for their labor commodity value. I certainly wish it were otherwise.
My advice to women who want to achieve true liberation is simple:
Liberate everyone because you will never be free while your men labor in debt and servitude.
30
taopraxis: Thank you! Sometimes these comments give me hope that independent thinking is still alive.
13
From my first 'encounter group' way back in the early '70's, the idea was that by liberating women, men, too, would be liberated. It was a given. Why this important concept still does not seem to be understood totally baffles me.
30
@kate: My understanding is that the feminist movement was basically divided on the subject of rigid stereotypical sex roles. Some women viewed men as oppressors in the main, there being no shortage of bad examples of men from which to generalize. Other women were more enlightened on the subject, feeling, correctly in my view, that men, like women, were simultaneously oppressed and empowered by society's rigid sex roles.
The philosophical differences became heightened by a political power struggle within the movement. Women, in my view, suffered to the extent the movement became associated with hatred of men.
I think a similar philosophical schism (e.g.., Martin Luther King contrasted with Malcolm X) brought about similar negative outcomes in the civil rights movement, by the way.
The philosophical differences became heightened by a political power struggle within the movement. Women, in my view, suffered to the extent the movement became associated with hatred of men.
I think a similar philosophical schism (e.g.., Martin Luther King contrasted with Malcolm X) brought about similar negative outcomes in the civil rights movement, by the way.
4
Thank you, Gloria.
38
Gloria's new cause should be ageism. As damaging to individuals and society as sexism. Given our aging population, more and more people are being affected by it.
234
Yes!!!!!
15
Especially older women who are, again, expected to be the caretakers of both grandchildren and aging parents. You fight the good fight, retire and then you're back where you started. All that life experience, knowledge and wisdom could be a force for good in society if our culture valued their older generations.
3
Betty Friedan took up the cause of ageism in 1993 by writing the book "The Fountain of Age". The movement failed then but might catch on now if it is presented in a less self-absorbed way.
2
When I was a young woman, Ms. Steinem changed my life. Infinitely for the better. I am a very thankful feminist because of her.
101
In the 60's and 70's it was so important to have role models like Ms. Steinem to lead the way to changing society. The long hard struggle is still ongoing and I thank you for continuing to lead.
77
Went to listen to Ms Steinem speak in London years and years ago, and she was a hug inspiration. Still is. A true great.
37
@gaffer: That was a touching type...literally
I know! I was embarrassed at first, and then I realised it was completely Freudian. She deserves many hugs in a nice way (given what's happened with La Trump recently, even hugs can be suspect, sadly).
Gloria Steinem. One of my best days, I finally met her at St. Norbert's College in Green Bay (DePere), Wisconsin, two years ago. I was able to hand her a note I had written to her and exchange a few words. What an honor.
None of her biographical info here is new to me. I've read her books and followed her for many years. What I would have given to have been just a little bit older and walked with her back in the day. I have the first copy of Ms.
But truth is, as many of age, or think we will, Gloria Steinem never will age. Look at her - always moving forward, new projects, still motivating us, motivating women of all ages, diverse groups. Republicans, she speaks about the great things Republican women have done.
So, this isn't about politics with Gloria Steinem in 2016, it's about making the world better, and giving us clues what needs to be done and what can be done. The series "Woman" reached to the depth of our inner souls.
She is right when she says her work is never done. Thank goodness it's not done.
Gloria Steinem, thank you for what you have done, for all generations, for my daughters, my granddaughter's generation. You had the courage and gumption and intellect and engaging ability to lead the way of equality, rights, esteem.
We will continue to follow you, and we'll keep on striving and helping the new generations to do the same. Thank you so much.
None of her biographical info here is new to me. I've read her books and followed her for many years. What I would have given to have been just a little bit older and walked with her back in the day. I have the first copy of Ms.
But truth is, as many of age, or think we will, Gloria Steinem never will age. Look at her - always moving forward, new projects, still motivating us, motivating women of all ages, diverse groups. Republicans, she speaks about the great things Republican women have done.
So, this isn't about politics with Gloria Steinem in 2016, it's about making the world better, and giving us clues what needs to be done and what can be done. The series "Woman" reached to the depth of our inner souls.
She is right when she says her work is never done. Thank goodness it's not done.
Gloria Steinem, thank you for what you have done, for all generations, for my daughters, my granddaughter's generation. You had the courage and gumption and intellect and engaging ability to lead the way of equality, rights, esteem.
We will continue to follow you, and we'll keep on striving and helping the new generations to do the same. Thank you so much.
81
Ditto! Excellent post. I have always loved Gloria. She inspired me in 1970, and she inspires me now.
2
Gloria Steinem. What a woman. There is still a lot of work to do, ladies, and thank goodness Gloria is here still to carry on. We all need to, for our daughters, grand daughters, mothers and ourselves. That man on the bench has some nerve. He, of all people, should really know what respect looks like and what it doesn't look like.
38
There are too many people in any city who don't take the necessary meds and at best spout nonsense and at worst are violent. Ms. Steinem luckily encountered the former on a park bench.
1
Thank you Ms Steinem for fighting for women's right to choose.
108
I want to be like Gloria Steinem when I grow up.
127
An amazing women. I love the quote. "Any encounter, even hostile, could be an opportunity"
157
Trump should have picked her as a running mate!
This is what 82 looks like. RESPECT. The leader of a certain pack.
138
I have admired this person for as long as I have been aware of her. I am truly so grateful to her for not slowing down and for facing the world directly with wisdom and wit. The 20th century has shown us some great do-ers. The community that allows her to thrive in her work is to be commended.
93
Gloria, you are and have always been an inspiration. Each year, when my birthday comes round (it's your birthday too) and I worry that I'm getting old, I think of you and your love for life and I'm restored to my natural joie de vivre. That's who you are: the one who renews and revives and reminds the rest of us who we are. Keep it up! We're depending on you.
105
@judith: it's my bday too! march 25: i love that i share this bday with amazing revolutionary aries gloria.
i'm aging right along with you, judith: here's hoping we look even half as fine as ms. steinem when we're octogenarians because gloria is still as fierce as all get out; what a great example she has set and what a dime she still is!
i'm aging right along with you, judith: here's hoping we look even half as fine as ms. steinem when we're octogenarians because gloria is still as fierce as all get out; what a great example she has set and what a dime she still is!
33
Lost 100% of my respect for her after reading the NY Times article:
Gloria Steinem and Madeleine Albright Rebuke Young Women Backing Bernie Sanders.
So long, Gloria.
Gloria Steinem and Madeleine Albright Rebuke Young Women Backing Bernie Sanders.
So long, Gloria.
61
Their comments irked me as well but I'm not sure if they were bad enough to negate the good they had done.
18
I don't think one should write off a lifetime of great work because of one ill-advised remark. And I think she may have been talking about something accurate: that support for Bernie among young folks created an energetic, youthful social environment (for all the right political reasons) which was highly attractive and exciting in its own right. That's been true for many activist movements over time--including the student movements of the sixties and Occupy Wall Street.
36
You are certainly entitled to your opinion. However, many of us thought Albright and Steinem were right.
52
Thank you for such a timely, inspiring piece. Ms Steinem was my earliest role model - with her imperative that I could be anything I dreamed of and made me proud to declare myself a feminist. I hope that millennial women will read this and have some context and admiration to all that came before them - not hundreds of years ago - but in the 80s! having a woman as extraordinary as Hillary Clinton running for president is an unthinkable achievement in my lifetime. Let's honor that and remember how far we still have to go...
199
Thank you, Ms. Steinem!
From a fellow "Ms."
From a fellow "Ms."
83
"Ms." took off wonderfully well, and the French tried to use it too, translating it into "Mad.", until somebody must have explained to them that it wasn't going to work in Gay Paree.
Thank you, Gloria Steinham, with a large bouquet of lilacs and owlets!
Thank you, Gloria Steinham, with a large bouquet of lilacs and owlets!
8
It was "Madselle" actually
1
Brilliant lady!!!
57
As long you are of sound mind & body, then carry on. Society has to catch up to all the ''old'' folks that are living enhanced and longer lives.
Perhaps society needs to take it's vitamins.
Perhaps society needs to take it's vitamins.
35
FunkyIrishman: Perhaps society needs to do a better job of teaching the young when to use apostrophes.
13
Perhaps society should be more forgiving of such a minor offense as a misplaced apostrophe and more careful to give and note praise and recognition for those who are deserving.
22
@Carson
Perhaps. but there is no need to be so obtuse, dense, opaque, insensitive, thick, stolid, imperceptive, dull, etc ...
Perhaps. but there is no need to be so obtuse, dense, opaque, insensitive, thick, stolid, imperceptive, dull, etc ...
10
I think she is an utterly amazing woman and have thought so for decades. I listened to her book, My Life on the Road, which she read. I came away with a one-liner that comes to mind very very often: it is better to be interested than interesting.
211
Go Gloria! You go girl!
95
GS has played a very important part in an important time in American history!
And it hard to imagine she is over 80! Hope she goes on much longer now.
Cheers, Neal H. Hurwitz NY NY Medellin and Israel