Note: I purchased this book.
About two months ago, during a class simulation, I was in the hallway speaking with several male classmates. Despite that fact that I had done my research and was an active participant, 90% of the men I was with completely ignored me, despite my overt attempts to join the conversation. It was so bad, in fact, that all but one of them walked away while I was still talking. Infuriated, I clapped my hands loudly and demanded that they listen to me. Had I not just been treated in such a way by a group of faculty members a few weeks before, I may have let it slide for the sake of civility, but I was tired of men acting as if they were placating me by allowing me to speak. They may as well have patted me on the head and told me to be a good little girl and play nice.
I’ve always been very outspoken and assertive, so I’m not entirely sure how I made it to 30 without reading Gloria Steinem, but here I am, reading her for the first time. To be honest, I don’t know that I would have fully appreciated her or her work ten years ago, so maybe it’s for the best that I read her now! I’ve always thought of Ms. Steinem as an amazing, confident, trailblazing woman. I had no idea that she had a massive fear of public speaking, overanalyzed what she had said for days on end, and was constantly seeking approval. As someone who can identify with and is overcoming these same traits, it her ability to succeed and make such a long-lasting and positive change fills me with hope.
Me during the class simulation
Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions is a book of essays, most of which were written decades ago, and include relevant updates to keep the reader up to date on what the current state of affairs are. As Ms. Steinem points out in her introduction, some of these updates are depressing in that not much progress has been made. The essays range from how the transexual movement has affected gender roles, her time as a a Playboy Bunny, an essay about her mother and what would happen if men menstruated.
While all of the essays covered very serious topics, they were made more interesting with a type of humor that was not haha funny, but instead amusing in a this-is-real-life way. It made the book much more approachable and less preachy. In fact, the book didn’t seem preachy or “feministy” at all and yet I finished the book wanting to jump up and shout about how great it is to be a woman.
Topics Covered
- Playboy Bunnies
- Women in combat
- Transexuals and gender roles
- Her mother
- Abortion
- Birth Control
- The comparison of the Holocaust and abortion
One of the things that Ms. Steinem emphasized in the book is that women tend to become more liberal as they get older, and thus are more likely to become “activists” later on in life. This is not because young women are failing to understand the importance of gender equality, but rather that until they are beginning (or even halfway through) their careers, it is not something they encounter in such a blatant way. Perhaps this is true, because while I’ve always believed in and supported gender equality, it wasn’t until the last year or two that I started to realize that I was on the unequal end of things.
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Twitter: Sherrey_Meyer
Thanks for the review of this updated publication. I must insert my 2 cents here, as I can tell from your photos that all of those commenting thus far are much younger than my 67 years. Gloria and I could have been peers if we’d grown up closer together regionally. You, not one of you, has seen or experienced what Gloria or I or any of our peers have unfortunately experienced as women, and I sincerely hope you never do. The balance is certainly still is unequal, and those of you who are vocal and strong must stand up for women’s rights. I am not one to be pushed around or backed down and, as a single mom in the 1970s, I fought hard to make a place for myself in the business world. In addition to my book blog (NEW, I might add), I also have a writing blog at Healing by Writing (http://healingbywriting.wordpress.com). You’ve inspired me to think about writing more about these issues involving women, historically for much too long. Enjoyed the review; will likely now pick up and read.
Twitter: thebookwheel
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I hope you do write more about it! And you’re correct, no matter how bad we have it now, it was much worse 10, 20, 30, 40+ years ago. I’m grateful that the attitudes I put up with is less toxic than the attitudes and behaviors you put up with because people like you stood up! So thank you
Twitter: Leah_BSV
Ugh, that is horrible! I don’t understand how in this day and age women are so easily dismissed. I think you have a good point about women becoming more attuned to the inequality they face as they get older; at 22, I’m aware that things are unequal, but I haven’t witnessed inequality in the workplace firsthand since I haven’t worked in an office. This book sounds fantastic, I definitely need to read it!
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Twitter: thebookwheel
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You should! And just so you know, I have Y packed up and in a box… I just haven’t made it to the post office yet. I’m horrible about that (which is why I always order things directly from the internet). But, I will send it, I promise!
Twitter: RebeccaScags
She was an undercover Playboy Bunny? How cool! I mean, it still meant she had to take off her clothes I’m guessing, but to be able to have a real, honest look at what Playboy bunnies go through would be interesting!
And ugh, being ignored like that must have been frustrating!
Rebecca @ Love at First Book recently posted..Book Club: In the Woods by Tana French – Sign Up & Start Up
Twitter: thebookwheel
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She did! I mean, she wore the bunny suit, so it wasn’t like she was a naked centerfold, but yup!
I imagine that you were infuriated! I would have been too. Hmph. Good for you for standing up for yourself! I’m going to have to read this book. Every woman probably should. Great review, thanks!
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Twitter: thebookwheel
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I was! Luckily, I am not a person who responds well to being ignored, but that’s not the point!