The Gloria Steinem We Needed

Gloria Steinem’s passing has left an undeniable void in the struggle for equality, but her impact on society will be felt for generations to come. Her remarkable life and work are a testament to her effectiveness as a catalyst for change. What made Steinem so uniquely effective?

Steinem’s trajectory was one of transformation, from being feted as a “smashing looking Gucci liberal” in the 1960s to being hailed as a feminist icon. Her early career as a journalist, marked by her undercover stint as a Playboy Bunny and subsequent assignment to write about the Vietnam War, laid the groundwork for her later activism. Steinem’s distinctive blend of humor, wit, and intellectual rigor developed during this period.

Steinem’s ability to tap into the concerns of women from diverse backgrounds was key to her success. Her advocacy work extended far beyond feminist politics; she also became a vocal critic of apartheid, child abuse, and female genital mutilation. Steinem noted that “the women’s movement and the anti-racist movement and the gay movement and the environmentalist movement – they’re all linked.” This holistic approach helped Steinem build coalitions and forge alliances across seemingly insurmountable divides.

The co-founding of Ms. magazine, which Steinem described as a “how-to magazine; not how to make jelly but how to seize control of your life,” marked a significant turning point in the feminist movement. This emphasis on empowering women to take agency over their own lives helped galvanize a generation of activists and set the stage for future social justice movements.

TIME magazine’s early coverage of Steinem was marked by tone-deaf descriptions, but as she gained influence, their reporting evolved to reflect her growing stature. This shift highlights a broader evolution in attitudes toward women, one that Steinem played a significant role in shaping.

Steinem’s legacy offers several key lessons for modern-day activism. Her commitment to coalition-building and grassroots organizing serves as a powerful model. Moreover, her pragmatic yet compassionate approach to advocacy provides a much-needed counterpoint to today’s increasingly polarized debates.

In the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights, Steinem’s legacy is particularly relevant. As we navigate the complex landscape of abortion politics, it’s essential to remember Steinem’s unwavering dedication to this cause – and her willingness to confront the inevitable backlash that comes with taking a stand.

The work ahead will be just as daunting, just as complex, in the aftermath of Steinem’s passing. But as we look to the next generation of activists and leaders, we’d do well to remember the lessons of Steinem’s remarkable life – and the enduring power of her message. TIME magazine’s belated recognition of Steinem’s impact serves as a reminder that acknowledging and honoring women’s contributions to society remains an ongoing challenge.

Steinem’s passing is also a poignant reminder that our collective memory has a way of selectively erasing – or at least downplaying – the contributions of those who have fought for social justice. By remembering Steinem’s remarkable life and work in all their complexity, we can honor her legacy while also illuminating the unfinished business of the struggles she helped ignite.