The women's movement hit my neighborhood like a freight train. Everybody got divorced. You wonder what would have happened to women if the suburbs hadn't been built.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the transformative impact of the women's movement on traditional family structures in suburban America.
Susan Faludi's quote highlights the rapid societal changes brought about by the women's movement, particularly in suburban neighborhoods where traditional marriage and family roles were challenged. The metaphor of a 'freight train' conveys the overwhelming and inevitable nature of these changes, suggesting that the construction of suburbs provided both physical space and a social context that facilitated this transformation in women's roles and relationships.
In practice
In discussions about the evolution of gender roles, this quote can emphasize the impact of social movements.
Feminism's agenda is basic: it asks that women not be forced to "choose" between public justice and private happiness. It asks that women be free to define themselves-instead of having their identity defined for them, time and again, by their culture and their men.
The media and the rest of popular culture weren't recording people's reactions to 9/11; they were forcing made-up reactions down people's throats.
The system of heroism depends on women to be weak so men can be strong.
As it turns out, social scientists have established only one fact about single women's mental health: employment improves it.
When the enemy has no face, society will invent one.
Feminism's agenda is basic: It asks that women not be forced to 'choose' between public justice and private happiness.
I've never wanted to grow up too fast. I wanted to wear a sports bra until I was 22! ... The allure of being sexy never really held any excitement for me. I've never been in a terrible rush to be seen as a woman.
Progressive societies outgrow institutions as children outgrow clothes.
Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history.
Change does not change tradition, it strengthens it. Change is a challenge and anopportunity, not a threat.
If we all act together - business, governments, NGOs and citizens and, especially, the young - just imagine the good we could create.
I'm not familiar particularly with Hillary Clinton's neighborhood, but I wish people were a little bit more curious about what we call privilege and about why it's there. Black people in this country have no choice but to be curious. We have to know. I wish folks would do a little bit more investigation.
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