In December 1969, Susan wrote a freelance piece for…
““In December 1969, Susan wrote a freelance piece for Playboy on women’s lib, but it never ran—Hugh Hefner spiked it. Hef’s memo as to why he didn’t like the piece was later leaked to the press by a Playboy secretary (who was promptly fired) and it became a cause célèbre. “What I want,” Hef said, “is a devastating piece that takes militants apart… What I’m interested in is the highly irrational, kooky trend that feminism has taken. These chicks are our natural enemy… It is time to do battle with them… All of the most basic premises of the extreme form of the new feminism [are] unalterably opposed to the romantic boy-girl society that Playboy promotes.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hugh Hefner’s memo reveals misogynistic attitudes, framing feminism as an enemy to his idealized gender roles.
In simple terms: Hefner sees feminism as a threat to his vision of gender.
Key Takeaway
Challenge sexist narratives and support gender equality.
Themes
sexism
feminism
media bias
Mood
critical
defiant
serious
Type
journalistic
political
social
When to use this quote
- journalism
- activism
- media criticism
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
gender politics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do media gatekeepers shape gender discourse?
- What strategies can counter misogynistic narratives?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched media attitudes is slow and contested.