Gloria Steinem, a Dangerous Woman
A version of the below article first appeared in David Corn’s newsletter, Our Land. The newsletter comes out twice a week (most of the time) and provides behind-the-scenes stories and articles about politics, media, and culture. Subscribing costs just $5 a month—but you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. What made Gloria Steinem so dangerous was that she was […]
Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist who passed away at the age of 92, was known for her sassiness, charisma, fierce determination, humor, and attractiveness. In the 1980s, right-wing commentators accused feminism of being a socialist movement that encouraged women to leave their husbands, abandon their children, practice witchcraft, undermine capitalism, and adopt a lesbian lifestyle. Despite these misconceptions, Steinem remained vibrant, glamorous, and intellectually brilliant.
Steinem was a skilled writer and activist who brought wit and strategic acumen to the women's movement. She co-founded the Women's Media Center alongside Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan in 2005 to amplify women's voices in media. Throughout her career, Steinem was an enthusiastic networker, connecting with influential figures like Pete Townshend of The Who, who had funded the first shelter for women fleeing domestic violence in England.
Throughout her life, Steinem traveled extensively, delivering speeches at conferences, town halls, and consciousness-raising groups. She insisted on traveling light, carrying only a suitcase filled with a few black clothes, hair curlers, and a steam iron. This practicality allowed her to be available for speaking engagements whenever they arose. Steinem's work with Voters for Choice, a political action committee, further solidified her commitment to women's rights and political equality.
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