Essays Quote by Gloria Steinem
““I’m not sure feminism should require an adjective. Believing in the full social, political, and economic quality of women, which is what the dictionary says “feminism” means, is enough to make a revolution in itself. But if I had to choose only one adjective, I still would opt for radical feminist. I know our adversaries keep equating that word with violent or man-hating, crazy or extremist—though being a plain vanilla feminist doesn’t keep one safe from such epithets either. Neither does saying, “I’m not a feminist, but.…” Nonetheless, radical seems an honest indication of the fundamental change we have in mind: the false division of human nature into “feminine” and “masculine” is the root of all other divisions into subject and object, active and passive, and—the beginning of hierarchy.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1990s feminist discourse, Gloria Steinem, 1995
Radical feminism seeks profound societal transformation by rejecting binary gender divisions, aiming for true equality beyond superficial labels.
In simple terms: Radical feminism wants deep change, not just labels.
Key Takeaway
Embrace radical ideas for true equality.
Themes
gender equality
social change
identity
hierarchy
radicalism
Mood
determined
hopeful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy reform
- education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
intersectionality
binary critique
social revolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How does binary thinking limit equality?
- What actions embody radical feminist change?
A Different Perspective
Radical labels can provoke backlash and alienate potential allies.
