It’s interesting how relevant these essays are to the modern feminist struggle as they were when written in the 60s, 70s and 80s. While victories have been won in the movement, many battles continue. ( )

By far the best essay in this book is "Ruth's Song (Because She Could Not Sing It)". It's the story of Steinem's relationship with her mother, and it hits you like a blow to the solar plexus. If nothing else, read this book for that essay and the brilliant satirical "If Men Could Menstruate." Otherwise, trigger warning for transphobia and colonialist attitudes. ( )

I'm glad I read this, and I wish I had sooner. Many of her battle cries seem moot now, which is awesome, but some things really made me uncomfortable (good, right?). Let's ramble on about one thing!

I know that plenty of aspects of my personality are "feminine" (eg, liking to have a good cry, playing dumb to avoid conflict) and that I've used them to feel safe in not asking more of myself. I've matured being self-aware enough to recognize this, but not empowered to change (esp. with the comfort that the end result of that change may be a socially acceptable enough public face, not a bitch with an axe to grind.) So yes, a lady doctor has never seemed weird to me, but I think the biggest uphill battle is changing attitudes that are less about overall life choices and more about socializing young girls to be conflict-avoidant, and young boys to being uncommunicative.

Some things that bothered me (not as a result of a "feminist" identification, but simple recognition that Joss Whedon's "strong female leads" are dudes with boobs and torn shirts and that he's no feminist for this) didn't seem worth standing up against. I've also grown up with a social dialogue that's been prone to say things like, "Well, really, you're all defining YOURSELVES as an Other," or like, "Well, men can't wear dresses, how is that fair?" and not having a good rebuttal except sort of speechlessness at the ignorance in those statements.

And now I kinda do. ( )

Useful advice on organising, historically interesting and even if all the issues are still relevant, the texts are anchored in the 70s and 80s and feel dated. Glad i read it, but won't recommend it to others than those with an interest in the history of feminism. ( )

A collection of Steinem's articles and essays written between 1965 and 1982. Interesting not only for it's exploration of issues within the second-wave of feminism but also as a historical document. While I don't always agree with Steinem's stance or arguments, I did find the reading to be mentally provoking leaving me considering where I stand as a feminist. ( )