DeepSummary
In this episode, host Debbie Millman interviews legendary feminist activist Gloria Steinem. Steinem discusses her unconventional childhood, growing up with parents who were constantly on the move. She describes how her mother's unfulfilled ambitions as a journalist influenced her own path towards activism and writing.
Steinem recounts her time in India in the late 1950s, where she had an eye-opening experience learning about the women's movement and its role in India's independence struggle. This inspired her to start speaking out and writing about women's rights upon her return to the U.S. She also shares details about co-founding Ms. Magazine in the early 1970s.
The interview covers Steinem's reflections on anger, aging, and optimism. She emphasizes the importance of channeling anger productively for social change and shares her contentment with growing older. Throughout the conversation, Steinem underscores her lifelong commitment to feminism and fighting for equality.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Gloria Steinem's unconventional, nomadic childhood shaped her independent spirit and desire for an unconventional life.
- Her time in India exposed her to the pivotal role of women in grassroots movements, inspiring her own feminist activism.
- Co-founding Ms. Magazine provided a platform to give voice to women's experiences and perspectives.
- Steinem views anger at injustice as a powerful catalyst for positive social change when channeled productively.
- She embraces aging and feels contentment rather than wanting what she doesn't have.
- The 1977 National Women's Conference was a watershed moment in evolving from protest to building an intersectional women's movement.
- Steinem advocates sustaining optimism as a form of inspired planning to create a more just world.
- Her life's work has been an enduring battle against the culture of silence around women's lives and experiences.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Righteous anger, anger at injustice, unfairness, pain, cruelty is an energy cell, and if we look at it that way, this is a gift. This is energy I can use.“ by Gloria Steinem
- “Optimism is a form of planning. If we don't imagine something positive that is possible, it's way less likely to happen.“ by Gloria Steinem
- “I don't want anything I don't have.“ by Gloria Steinem
- “Well, we were kind of in charge of ourselves there in this massive meeting and preparing for it, carrying it on and so on. So, you know, trying to be as representative as we could. And there were caucuses. There was a black women's caucus, a latina women, you know, there were lots of different caucuses.“ by Gloria Steinem
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Episode Information
Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Design Matters Media
7/1/24
For over sixty years, Gloria Steinem has been at the center of American culture and political life, where she has been instrumental in shaping our ideas about feminism, humanity, and equal rights for all people. She joins to talk about her legendary career as an award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder of one of the most significant magazines of the 21st century, and an activist whose work has impacted the place women and girls now have in the world.