An unexpected ally in Gloria Steinem
I may not call myself a feminist, but I recognize the primal role that Gloria Steinem played in the advancement of opportunities for women. I admire her initiative and leadership in the face of great opposition. So in spite of the differences in our political philosophies, I was thrilled when my friend fruitlady (also of Inherent Passion) invited me to attend a lunch at which Ms. Steinem was speaking.
Gloria Steinem is spending this last week before the election in Colorado, making appearances around the Denver metro area. But yesterday’s lunch was a private one, held at a Denver home, and about a hundred women (and a few men) gathered in the backyard to hear Ms. Steinem.
While I was certainly excited to see this iconic woman in person, I was also a bit uncomfortable. I knew I’d be in the political minority – just as I am in the corner of the blogosphere where I spend most of my time – but I didn’t know whether the atmosphere would be welcoming and accepting, or if it would have the same “us” versus “them” feel that the Elizabeth Edwards closing keynote at BlogHer ‘07 did (for me, at least).
It didn’t help my state of mind that on the way to the lunch, I saw this truck on I-25:
Is this what the Republican party has come to? Is this what Democrats and Independents see – a truck that is literally wearing a sandwich board proclaiming the supremacy of the Second Amendment (which, by the way, Barack Obama supports) – as emblematic of the GOP?
Color me pleasantly shocked when Gloria Steinem brought up this same point in her talk – that the Republican party has been taken over by extremists. That John McCain could have selected a female running mate to draw in the moderate Republicans who feel alienated by their party; instead, he selected a running mate with the goal of solidifying the support of that extremist faction.
I couldn’t agree more. I was so hopeful at the outset of McCain’s candidacy. Huckabee and Romney had been cast aside by primary voters in favor of a man who wasn’t part of that so-called base. Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity were incensed. Perhaps the party would start moving away from the Religious Right and the extreme social conservatism that had caused me to change my party affiliation.
But McCain let me down. He started pandering, and he hasn’t stopped. I don’t recognize him anymore.
I’ve been seriously considering voting for Bob Barr, the Libertarian party candidate, even though I can’t get the image of his appearance in “Borat” out of my head. I’d vote for him not because I think he has a chance in hell of ever becoming President, but because I want to send a message that two choices is not enough.
Perhaps they could be though, if the Republican party could overcome the narrow cross-section of views that have come to represent the party as a whole.
I have many friends with whom I have philosophical differences. Those differences don’t preclude friendship. But I do sometimes feel as if they are waiting for me to come to my senses. I wonder sometimes if their respect for me isn’t lessened because I don’t share their priorities.
But Ms. Steinem spoke so kindly and even-handedly, with respect and optimism, regarding the Republican party and its members – people like Kyle and me. For once, I didn’t get the message that “Republican = Evil” – a sentiment I hear daily on cable news and Twitter, even from people I like and who like me.
I went to this lunch for the opportunity to hear people speak from another perspective – one that I may not agree with fully, but which is worth consideration. I expected to feel like an outsider, especially in the presence of a liberal feminist icon. Instead, I felt compassion and understanding.
She likes babies too. She said so.
Ms. Steinem, thank you. For spending time here in Denver, for the opportunity to hear you speak, and for being an unexpectedly kind and understanding voice in a sea where I continue to swim against the currents.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Glad you had a good experience. I too would be worried about attending such a function. I am currently boycotting BlogHer until the election is over because I get shouted down by a sea of nasty and negativity whenever I comment. :-/
October 30th, 2008 at 5:41 am
thank you for speaking for the Republicans that aren’t extremists. It’s nice to hear someone shares my sentiments!
taras last blog post..and then comes the baby in the baby carriage…
October 30th, 2008 at 6:10 am
What a great post. I’ve actually been avoiding twitter lately because of all the Republican=evil sentiments. I think your right- there should be more than two candidates. I’m going to be so glad when the election is over, there has been way too much negativity from both sides. And quite frankly, I don’t think either is the right choice right now.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Steinem is a fantastic speaker who can really find common ground for women. I hear what you’re saying about a vote for Bob Barr, and I don’t completely disagree with that idea. Did you see the Obama half hour last nite? Did that help at all?
PunditMoms last blog post..The ‘Dress Like Sarah Palin’ Game
October 30th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Wait. Is that woman “Gloria-blocking” you? LOL.
Awesome — you, Oliver, and Gloria.
Motherhood Uncensoreds last blog post..Stumped.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:39 am
That’s an amazing photograph of the truck with the guns. Eek!
I’m glad that you had a nice experience. I’ve always admired Gloria Steinem, not least because she taught the world the Playboy “bunny serve” way to serve drinks.
Marinkas last blog post..Wordful Wednesday
October 30th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Everything I’ve read about her makes me think she’d be a wonderful woman to talk to. I’m glad you got the chance.
Christinas last blog post..I’ve Been Tricked By My Four Year Old
October 30th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Julie-
Thanks for expressing my own sentiments so well. Although I’ve never been a huge fan of John McCain the person (based mainly on my interaction with his staff while working on Capitol Hill. Not a valid reason, I admit), his platform is much more aligned with my own. But I completely agree with you that his campaign has been a huge disappointment.
It is heartening to hear that there are some Dems out there who are a little more tolerant than most that I’ve experienced in the blogosphere this election cycle. Glad you had a good experience.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:44 am
OMG I know that is GLORIA you are standing with but I can’t take my eyes off of Oliver.
Also- I fully support you voting for whomever you choose and I agree two parties aren’t enough but it makes me cringe a little to hear of people wanting to vote for a third party because this election is going to be so close and I have such strong feelings about who I don’t want in the white house. (I’ll give you a hint- it’s not McCain..)
binkytowns last blog post..He loves him enough for both of us
October 30th, 2008 at 8:56 am
That’s a beautiful photograph and it sounds like a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Assertagirls last blog post..“Honey Do”
October 30th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Tara and Mandee have said what I came here to say as well. Thank you for always having the courage to speak how you feel about your positions (and in the meantime validating how I feel as well).
How wonderful that you got to meet her, AND get a photo!!
Christina
MPPs Moms last blog post..SLEEP
October 30th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Great post, Julie. Not everyone has a mind as open as yours.
(Or a baby as cute.)
mayberrys last blog post..The story of a small Singer sewing machine
October 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
No one can resist the Oliver, no one.
Spreading the open mind mantra can only be a good thing.
katie ~ motherbumpers last blog post..wordless wednesday: biker chick
October 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am
The twitter/momocrats stuff has been incredibly hurtful lately, so it’s nice to hear that you had such a positive experience. I’m voting for McCain for many reasons, mainly the economy, but I’m honestly starting to worry about what’s going to happen if McCain DOES win (it is a possibility still). If the MOMS on my twitter feed are this hostile? I don’t even want to think about the potential violence a McCain win could bring about.
Amandas last blog post..Mandajuice no more…
October 30th, 2008 at 11:31 am
i don’t which is worse, that so many people seem to feel that half (the _other_ half) of Americans are are evil or stupid, or that they are willing to act that way to get their guy elected.
One of your throwaway lines caught my attention though, about Obama supporting the second amendment. I remember some discussion of this after the Heller decision, so I checked the barackobama.com site to check. And yes, the only mention of the second amendment is under “Issues” -> “Additional” -> “Sportsmen”!!! Yes, Obama apparently believes that the second amendment is all about _hunting_. I’ve never owned, fired, or held a gun in my life, but I know the second amendment is about more than that. As was written back post-Heller, “list[ing] ‘Protecting Gun Rights’ as a subcategory of ‘Supporting the Rights and Traditions of Sportsmen’…is like listing ‘Protecting Freedom of Speech’ as a subcategory of ‘Supporting the Rights and Traditions of Auctioneers’.” (Which I wouldn’t be surprised to learn was McCain’s true position.)
October 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
(Grrrr, i only clicked once, I swear.)
October 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am
This election has been very hard for me. I am a Libertarian who typically votes Republican. I don’t love McCain but I just can NOT bring myself to vote for Obama. Although there are some social issues that I agree with, his tax policies, among other aspects of his economic agenda, are just way too far off of my ideology. The vitriol that I have seen all over the media, blogosphere and internet towards Republicans is, I think, shameful. Those guys in CA who hung an effigy of Sarah Palin is absolutely disgraceful. Yes, free speech protects it, but what about common decency? If it had been Obama, their house would probably have been pelted with bricks and burned down. Republican does not equal stupid. The extremes on both sides are scary but the vast majority of people fall in the middle.
All of this is to say that I am so glad to hear that even someone who is aligned so strongly with the far left can be respectful and open-minded gives me hope.
Caras last blog post..Rhymes With Meaning
October 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Well, first I hope I am not one of the people who make you feel uncomfortable with all my spouting on Twitter and elsewhere. I do respect yours and Kyle’s views, even when we disagree. And the funny thing is, we agree more often than not. Although HELLOOOOO, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO WAKE UP AND VOTE FOR OBAMA???
Just kidding.
I was thrilled when Amy told me she was going to invite you to this luncheon, but I am even more thrilled that you enjoyed it.
Aimee Greeblemonkeys last blog post..Live High, Live Mighty
October 30th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Great post! As a person who is liberal on most social issues and conservative on fiscal I am feeling torn apart by this election. The level of sniping, vitriol and just pure “you must be stupid if you think that” flying around from BOTH sides is just unreal. There’s no place left for anyone in the middle anymore, and I honestly think that the majority of Americans are more moderate than the current political situation.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Back in 2000, I actually respected John McCain. This election season he’s gone so far to the religious right that I just can’t respect him anymore. I tend to vote Democrat anyways though.
My social liberalism is more important to me than my fiscal conservatism.
Miss Graces last blog post..Heartbreak and Headache
October 30th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hey, I loved this post! It was so nice to see the middle way and not polarizing talk or attitude on either side.
I was also so hopeful for McCain but eventually went the other way ….
Thank you !
October 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I would love to hear her speak. I think it’s great that you went there, even though you were worried about being far outnumbered. I’m impressed. I’m even more impressed that you brought Oliver with you. (Of course, my last child cried non-stop for a year. Yeah, didn’t get out much.)
patoiss last blog post..Blame the Mother: Part 2
October 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
My issues with the Republican party are with those extreme elements of the party. Specifically with the fear mongering being done. It just seems so bully on the playground to me. Start a rumor about the person you don’t like to take them down. I nearly became a Republican (don’t tell my parents), but I could never go there now.
I haven’t heard her speak, but I grew up being quoted her writings, and I have to say that I’m happy she’s as classy in person. And who wouldn’t love that cute baby.
Amelia Sprouts last blog post..WW – Warm Fall Day
October 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Your Oliver has such stunning eyes. How cool that you have that photo.
Heathers last blog post..Pssst…Have you heard?
October 31st, 2008 at 4:28 am
I just wrote about Steinem too, but for other reasons. Even though we’re both Democrats, I haven’t always been the biggest fan. I was alot more impressed with her after I saw her on Oprah. So cool that you got to meet her.
Oh, cute baby too.
Amy@UWMs last blog post..Me and Gloria Together At Last
October 31st, 2008 at 7:26 am
This is awesome Julie. She’s such an incredible woman for this very reason and yet she’s been painted as a liberal extremist by the far right. It’s so valuable to have your voice in the mix, shouting your approval of her common sense messages.
mom101s last blog post..Broken Promise Number X
October 31st, 2008 at 8:50 am
Man, I love me some Gloria. I met her a few years ago, and got to spend some quality time talking with her one on one. She’s such an engaging, thoughtful woman. She has none of the vitriol that anti-feminists saddle her with, and she is just a good person.
But did she wear her leather pants? Girl can ROCK some leather pants.
The Other Dawns last blog post..It’s More than a Cough
October 31st, 2008 at 11:04 am
First, what a fantastic photo. Second, thank you for such an open dialogue about what I perceive to be the issue with the GOP. I want it to be an open and welcoming party, but it feels like it is not. It has made this decision incredibly difficult.
November 1st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
[...] me and Mothergoosemouse and the infamous Ollie Pop! Check out what Julie took away from the day! And you can see more photos of Ollie Pop and Gloria [...]
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 am
I am glad to hear that an icon from the left would speak in tolerant tones. Quite honestly, I’m tired of the vitriol directed toward me (I work in a place that is inhabited by almost 100% Democrats, many of them progressives). I do lean right, but I am a centrist. I understand that the negative feelings come from Bush hatred and a belief that the 2000 election was “stolen.” I can’t help but wonder though — if Ms. Steinem had the chance to meet Gov. Palin, would she have been as kind?
midlife mommys last blog post..Still In Limbo
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I’m so glad to hear this about Ms. Steinem! Now I like her even more!
I agree that two parties just isn’t enough. I think the majority of the people in this county are more in the center than either party caters to.
While I am definitely democrat, all of my family and husband’s family are republican. Our families are smart, educated and (generally) open minded. As are we. Which party or candidate a person supports should not lessen anyone’s respect for the person.
And Ollie’s eyes are so gorgeous! What a beautiful baby!
caramamas last blog post..Question of the Week – Halloween Costumes
November 4th, 2008 at 11:20 am
On the topic of signs – Shotgun Willies (the strip club in Denver) has had political signs up for weeks – one misspelled proletariat. I’m glad they’re politically engaged, but I keep wondering who their target audience is, and if folks are really making a decision about how to vote based on the Shotgun Willies sign.
Ollie is adorable!
Ozs last blog post..The Incredible Shrinking Baby!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I like popping in here occasionally to see what you’re talking about in regards to the election, since (based on what I’ve read) we share similar viewpoints. This post didn’t disappoint – it beautifully summarized why I’ve left the Republican party, but haven’t found another place to hang my hat. Thanks for being so eloquent.
BTW – I voted Libertarian, and LOVED it.
Robyns last blog post..And that has made all the difference.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
[...] accompanied me nearly everywhere – fancy birthday dinners, client meet-ups, a get-together with Gloria Steinem – and charmed the socks off everyone you [...]