An American Feminist Icon: Gloria Steinem - Essay Example

Feminism is all about giving each other the power to make decisions, says the feminist and journalist, Gloria Steinem in an interview with Schnall (1995). An American feminist icon and journalist, Steinem has been women’s rights advocate (Wikipedia) Born on March 25, 1934 at Toleodo, Ohio, Steinem a political activist, an editor and an advocate of the women’s liberation during the late twentieth century, spent her earlier years traveling with her parents. Her Jewish-American father was a traveling antiques dealer but the family split in 1944 when he went to California to find work. It was only at the age of twelve that she started attending school on a regular basis. She had the added responsibility of taking care of her mother who was chronically depressed. Her early years in life taught her self-sufficiency and to cope with uncertainties. Steinem graduated from Smith College in 1956 and went to India on a scholarship where she participated in nonviolent protests against government policies (Encyclopedia, 2006). Her experience in India broadened her horizon and made her conscious of the suffering in the world (Gale, 1998). Her experience became the greatest motivator to fight social injustices and she embarked on her career as a journalist. She started working as a writer and journalist in New York City in 1960 and gained attention with her article “I was a Playboy Bunny” in 1963. Gradually her work became overtly political and she started writing a column “The City Politic” for New York magazine. She became the contributing editor and wrote in support of causes on the American left. Steinem devoted her time to political activities between late 1970s and 1980s. She was an important figure in the women’s movement and her good looks and quick alert responses made her a favorite with the media (Lewis, 2006). She participated in the founding of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Voters for Choice, and Women Against Pornography. She was often attacked for being too middle-class oriented. She also worked for Democratic candidates like Norman Mailer, John Lindsay, Eugene McCarthy, Robert Kennedy, and later George McGovern (Gale). Steinem founded the National Womens Political Caucus in July 1971. Her pursuit to bring out a contemporary magazine from a feminist perspective resulted in Ms. Magazine in 1971. Steinem continued to speak and write extensively (Gale). Her first book, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions was published in 983 and contained her recollections of the past and highlighted the lives of other notable 20th century women. Marilyn: Norma Jean, published in 1986 was the sympathetic biography of the film-star whom she knew personally. All her books and her movements were against the oppression to women – elimination of sexual exploitation and achievement of the true equality of the sexes. Steinem took to feminism after the footsteps of her paternal grandmother, Pauline Steinem, the noted suffragette. She got involved in feminism in 1968 after attending a meeting of the radical feminist group called the Redstockings (Encyclopedia). Although she had gone to attend the meeting as a journalist, she found herself deeply moved by the issues that women faced particularly the dangers of illegal abortions (Gale). Her commitment to the political causes made her a natural feminist leader. Steinem’s views, thoughts and actions as a feminist leader are absolutely clear, which implies that she is a born leader. During her years as a journalist she was deeply involved in the political movements which stirred many people to action. Motivated by her, young men and women dedicated themselves to building a future based on racial justice and peace during the civil rights movement and the movement against the Vietnam war. These movements led to the rebirth of feminism when women discovered their organizing skills. Feminism picked up momentum and within a few years it had swelled to mass proportions. A feminist according to Steinem can be a man or a woman, who believes in the full social, economic, political equality of women and men. One of the main issues that she was concerned about was the abortions and she was amazed that seventy percent of the country supports the woman’s right to abortion. Women were only considered to be objects of reproduction, which is what made them inferior. Having the right to abortion does not resolve the issue. They should have the freedom to have children as well as not to have children. She should not be coerced into having an abortion just because it is legal to have an abortion. Gracie (2003) says that Steinem believed just as whites and blacks are regarded as equals in law, men and women should also be treated as equals. She was a pro-choice representative and believed that women should be able to decide what is best for their bodies. Gracie believes that Steinem is arguably the most prominent mover and shaker in the Womens Rights movement of the twentieth century. The movement encouraged the women to stand on their own. Men should equally participate in household work including raising children otherwise women end up having two jobs. Gender roles and the values need to be reconstructed. Feminist movement does not merely mean to convey that women can do what men can, but also implies that men can do what women can do. Hence, men too can be feminists because it ultimately means giving equal opportunities and power to all. If women are affected, it affects the men also. Feminist movement includes allowing men to express emotions which they are normally not supposed to, and do jobs they are not supposed to do. She wanted that the cause of women should be effectively heard. Women’s equality has to stretch beyond compensation and pay. Many women business owners have spring up and consumers should encourage such women by buying good and services from these women. A strong unified women’s movement can help fight cause like firing from jobs. She felt work needs to be redefined because women’s contribution as the home maker goes unnoticed. This work also needs recognition, counted as productive work and value should be attributed to it. According to Kolhatkar (2005) she played a curious role in the women’s rights movement. She did not have any manifesto or develop any theory concerning this. Steinem received all the media attention despite others raging against pornography and marriage interventions. Steinem encountered resistance and frustration but she had the perseverance in her pursuits. She had a support group which she feels is essential for everyone. She has a dinner group of girlfriends which includes Carol Jenkins, the former WNBC news anchor, and the novelists Marilyn French and Esther Broner. Kolhatkar further appreciates Steinem’s quality to appreciate many forms of mass media that offend her colleagues. Steinem found the HBO program Sex and the City, unrealistic and self-destructive. She does not agree that relationship with man is the single most important thing in life, more than the self. Steinem still maintains a strong cultural currency and her presence at any event guarantees success. Steinem believes that women become radical as they grow older. They are more conservative when they are young when they are considered potential child-bearers and sex objects. Men, on the other hand are rebels when they are young. While Mitchell (1999) believes that many who attempted ‘total equality’ in the 60s and 70s, did not meet with much success but their efforts did have tremendous impact. She appreciates the contributions of the likes of Steinem saying that today a woman can exercise her choice and live the way she wants. Steinem was also concerned to find that only thirty-nine percent people in the country exercised their right to vote. In fact, most were not even registered as voters. This has made the US the least participatory democracy in the world. The percentage of women voting was even less and she urged the people to go out and vote. She wanted that the system change so that every individual registers and votes. She believed that unless one is involved in a decision, it does not reflect one’s wish. People who are the most affected are not a part of the decision. Change according to her does not start at the electoral system but on the streets, Steinem has said to a Wall Street Journalist, Gorney (1995). The anti-change, anti-equality, racist, economic establishment forces have control of the Congress. Steinem has been very vocal in her criticism against the Bush administration. In a BUZZFLASH (2004) interview, she has said that there has never been an administration that has been more hostile to women’s equality than the Bush administration. The Bush administration has restricted women’s rights and opposed reproductive freedom. The patriarchal theory that Bush is trying to impose is not based on biology but on politics, says Steinem. Professor Ali Al-Hail (2005), Professor of Mass Communications, describes Steinem as Americas most influential, eloquent, and revered feminist. He was appreciative of the fact that she at least raised her voice and defended the isolated Muslims who are oppressed and abandoned by their governments. Steinem’s claims that women are used as sex-objects were voiced in the Wall Street Journal. The article "In Todays Workplace, Women Feel Freer To Be, Well, Women" by Pollock (2000) suggests that women use their looks, charm and unabashed flirting to advance professionally. The Journal does not cite any evidence to support the claim. They have just about quoted young girls who use their ‘attractiveness card’ to get close to the established businessmen who would otherwise not talk to them. Journal Reporter Ellen Pollock interviewed Steinem who described office flirting as potentially confusing and contested its productivity. Steinem feels it is just a learning experience and one cannot go a long way with flirting. Patricia Ireland too agrees that flirting is a short-term strategy. Contrary to Steinem’s claims that women are used as sex objects, this article quotes male engineer who says that women flirters are professionals and know how to taunt and manipulate male co-workers. If equality is to be practiced, why should such women be allowed to use their looks and charm to their advantage? This article identifies two different categories of women – one who refuse to trade on their sexuality for success and the other who use their body and charm to advance their careers. There are some women who view this as a natural reaction to greet a man with smile. Executives use the flirt factor to close business deals as did the vice president of the Union Bank of California. The article implies that women are succeeding in their profession not based on their intelligence but on their willingness to exploit sexuality which is in sharp contrast to what Steinem has been trying to awaken the society against. Another interesting article by Pollock (1998) describes the value of happiness that families experience in being together. Issues the Steinem has raised about equal rights and equality in work both at home and workplace have been highlighted in this article. What happens to the children when both parents work outside home? What happens when the traditional roles are given up? The stress of managing work, love and the children can be a trying time for the couple and it is not surprising to see broken families. Women preferred to stick to their careers despite the dual demands and pressure and ultimately the careers gained preference over marriages. As Steinem has described, men can be feminist too, Warren Farrell known as "the Gloria Steinem of mens liberation" argued that men too should be freed from their traditional roles. Farrell and his wife had decided to alternate years off from their jobs if they got children but as his wife gradually rose up the career ladder, they decided to break up as career came first for her while he was fighting for the cause of men. In broken marriages mothers cam only regret not having given time to the children when they most need. Steinem perhaps does not mean women should go to this extent. All she means is to fight for equal rights. References: Ali Al-Hail (2005), George W. Bush: “The Most Disastrous President We ever Had,” Says Gloria Steinem, 14 Sep 2006 BuzzFlash (2004), Gloria Steinem: If Bush Wins in 2004, "Abortion Will Be Criminalized", 14 Sep 2006 Encyclopedia (2006), Steinem, Gloria, 14 Sep 2006 Gale (1998), Gloria Steinem, 14 Sep 2006 Gorney, C. (1995), Gloria, 14 Sep 2006 Gracie, R. (2003), Activist/Feminist/Publisher Gloria Steinem, 15 Sep 2006 Lewis, J. J. (2006), Gloria Steinem Quotes, 14 Sep 2006 Kolhatkar, S. (2005), Gloria Steinem, 14 Sep 2006 Mitchell, M. (1999), Feminists unite -- leave me alone, 14 Sep 2006 Schnall, M. (1995), Interview with Gloria Steinem, 14 Sep 2006 Pollock, E. J. (1998), Doubling Back: Some 70s Pioneers Make Headlines Two Decades Later, 15 Sep 2006 Pollock, E. J. (2000), In the Office, Women Feel Freer to Be Women 15 Sep 2006 Read More