Gloria Steinem’s revolutionary life
Summary
This episode from Today in Focus explores the legacy of Gloria Steinem, who died at 92, and examines where feminism goes next. Host Annie Kelly discusses Steinem's journey from her controversial Playboy exposé to co-founding Ms. magazine and championing reproductive rights with guest K. Sherman. The conversation addresses criticisms of Steinem, including her appearance, CIA-funded work, and support for Bill Clinton, while highlighting her pivotal role in second-wave feminism. The episode concludes by reflecting on the current threats to the rights Steinem fought for and the future of the mo…
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor reads
1972 Meet the Press clip with Gloria Steinem
Steinem's legacy and the state of feminism
Childhood, mother's struggles, and early influences
Journalism career and gender barriers in media
Playboy bunny exposé and its impact
Feminist awakening and reproductive rights
Second-wave feminism and Roe v. Wade
Founding Ms. Magazine and 'the personal is political'
Criticism of appearance and class focus
Sponsor break
Intersectionality and advocacy for Black women
Controversy over Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky
CIA-funded work and subsequent criticism
Later activism and current threats to rights
Future of feminism and closing remarks
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