I have me brave women who are exploring the outer edge of human possibility, with no history to guide them, and with a courage to make themselves vulnerable that I find moving beyond words.
There's been the same kind of demonizing of the word 'feminism' as words like 'liberal,' 'affirmative action,' and so on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights how the term 'feminism' faces prejudice similar to other socially charged terms, emphasizing the need for understanding and acceptance.
Gloria Steinem's quote draws attention to the societal tendency to demonize certain words, particularly 'feminism,' alongside other politically charged terms like 'liberal' and 'affirmative action.' This reflects a broader issue of misunderstanding and misrepresentation of concepts that advocate for equality and progress, suggesting that there is a need to reclaim these terms and promote informed discussions rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on gender equality, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of understanding feminism.
More from Gloria Steinem
All quotes βIf women are supposed to be less rational and more emotional at the beginning of our menstrual cycle when the female hormone is at its lowest level, then why isn't it logical to say that, in those few days, women behave the most like the way men behave all month long?
Age brings a freedom. When you're young, you're much more subject to the idea of what feminine is or how you should look or how you should behave.
All those chemicals that create empathy only work when you are in a room together.
Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.
Obviously, there is much similarity among the challenges of transgender people and all women - from health care to harassment to discrimination in the workplace.
Similar quotes
The only time that any of us have to grow or change or feel or learn anything is in the present moment. But we're continually missing our present moments, almost willfully, by not paying attention.
The quest for freedom, dignity, and the rights of man will never end.
My generation was the turning point. Women older than us didn't expect to have jobs or careers; those younger did. But we were where it was changing - which is interesting but uncomfortable.
The biggest political change in my lifetime is that Americans no longer assume that their children will have it better than they did. This is a huge break with the past, with assumptions and traditions that shaped us.
Only some radical change can divert the downward course of my spirit, some startling new place or people to arrest the drift, the drag.
Nothing is more dangerous to men than a sudden change of fortune.