Gloria Steinem is one the most iconic women of the 21st century who trailblazed the way for women to choose the life they want. Journalist by trade, activist by nature she sought to improve the lives of others, believing everyone should be treated equally.
By her own admission, Steinem always considered herself a humanist more than a feminist. I discovered she is much more than simply a feminist. Although equal rights for all was her core motive, the feminist movement drew her in to speak on their behalf. In the beginning, she was a reluctant figurehead because she didn’t see herself as a feminist, but equal rights for all was a cause she stood for.
This book, Ms Gloria Steinem : a life reveals her early life contributed greatly to her future path. A difficult home life with a mentally ill mother and a father on the road for work, meant the responsibility of caring for her mother fell on her shoulders at an early age. It is suggested the breakdown of her mother is directly related to the expected role of women in society during the 1940s-1950s, in the expected role of housewife, and this left a profound effect on Steinem.
She rejected a marriage proposal at 20 years, despite being in love because she didn’t want to lose her sense of self. Choices during this era were limited for women, ones they were not allowed to make or were simply too afraid to. She chose not to marry, she chose to abort her child, she chose to work and be independent. She chose differently.
Steinem was drawn into feminist movement by others, who wanted her profile, saw potential in her as “the face” of feminism and an opportunity to use her ability to connect with people. However, she experienced backlash from other feminists, women and men. Her strength within herself developed through the love of her family created a strong individual able to stand up for herself and others.
I found Conkling’s succinct narrative efficient but engaging, thus simplifying a busy and complex life. This made it an easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the life of this exceptional woman who contributed so much to the improvement of the life of modern women.
Deborah
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