Discussion 12: The Movement Race Remained An Issue

Discussion 12 Throughout The Movement Race Remained An Issue That Di

Throughout the movement, race remained an issue that divided activists, particularly as middle-class white women struggled to understand the realities faced by communities of color. During this period, many Black women did not feel aligned with the broader women’s movement, viewing it as primarily reflective of white, middle-class interests (She’s Beautiful, 20-36:47). This highlights the concept of intersectionality, emphasizing how Black women faced unique challenges being both Black and women, while also feeling the feminist movement inadequately addressed issues stemming from these intersecting identities. Additionally, lesbian women, derogatorily called the “lavender menace,” faced exclusion from mainstream feminism, with leaders like Betty Friedan fearing their inclusion would derail the movement (41:08-41:11). As lesbians questioned their marginalization within feminist circles, activists recognized that this division weakened collective efforts in advocating for women’s rights. Ideological disagreements further alienated some activists; for instance, a participant recounts being pregnant with her son during debates about feminism’s stance on male infants, illustrating how sometimes radical ideas caused rifts within feminism itself (1:06:20-1:06:30). Despite these divisions, feminist groups managed to achieve significant victories, such as radical feminists advocating for the importance of women’s emotional and sexual needs, challenging traditional gender roles. The movement also leveraged literature, magazines, and media to educate women about their histories, bodies, and societal issues—fostering a sense of unity and collective identity among women. The rise in educational attainment and awareness of women’s history strengthened the movement, turning personal struggles into societal issues and expanding participation (44:56-45:04).

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The women’s movement of the 1970s marked a pivotal turning point in American social history, fundamentally shifting perceptions of gender roles, rights, and societal norms. A comprehensive understanding of this period reveals both its achievements and persistent challenges, particularly concerning race, sexuality, and class issues. The movement’s complexity is best appreciated through examining its internal divisions, the strategies used to forge collective identity, and its enduring influence on contemporary debates around reproductive rights and gender equality.

One of the most significant aspects of the women’s movement was its internal diversity, which often led to conflicts and disagreements among different factions. As highlighted in “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry,” race was a persistent fault line within the movement. Middle-class white women often found it difficult to comprehend the needs and struggles of women of color, who felt marginalized and excluded from the mainstream feminist agenda. African American women, for instance, had distinct experiences of racial and gender discrimination, which a solely white feminist perspective often overlooked. This disconnect led to the formation of separate organizations and advocacy groups centered on issues pertinent to women of color, such as the National Black Feminist Organization (ND). The recognition of intersectionality—the interconnected nature of social categorizations—became a critical analytical tool to understand these complexities, emphasizing that gender cannot be fully understood without also considering race and class (Crenshaw, 1989). Similarly, the exclusion of lesbian women from feminist organizations, often derided as the “lavender menace,” underscored another layer of division within the movement. Betty Friedan and other leaders believed that including lesbians would weaken the movement’s message, reflecting the prevalent societal stigmas against sexuality (she’s Beautiful, 41:08-41:11). The marginalization prompted lesbians and other queer activists to question their place within feminism, leading to the formation of separate organizations such as the Lesbian Feminist Movement. This division, however, also spurred conversations about sexuality, gender roles, and societal acceptance that continue today (England & Silbaugh, 2003).

Despite these divisions, the women’s movement achieved notable successes that reshaped American society. Radical feminists, for example, argued that women’s emotional and sexual needs should be prioritized equally with men’s, challenging traditional patriarchy and fostering new perspectives on gender roles (Friedan, 1963). The dissemination of feminist literature, magazines, and educational initiatives played a vital role in raising awareness among women, enabling them to see their personal struggles as part of larger societal issues. Education became a rallying point that empowered women to challenge ingrained stereotypes and question societal norms—leading to increased political activism, legislative changes, and cultural shifts (Himmelstein, 1996). The movement’s ability to connect personal narratives with broader societal issues laid the groundwork for ongoing activism on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and gender discrimination (Reagan & Walser, 2010).

The legacy of the 1970s women’s movement remains evident today, especially in ongoing debates over reproductive rights exemplified by the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. As Judith Arcana observed, women seeking illegal abortions in the 1970s faced desperation and even self-harm, highlighting the importance of legal access to safe procedures (Arcana, 57:53-57:56). This historical context underscores that the fight for reproductive autonomy is deeply rooted in the activism of the past. However, the movement’s internal divisions—racial, sexual, and ideological—continue to pose challenges. In the documentary, the portrayal of women’s experiences through the play “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” exemplifies the revolutionary spirit of feminism in 1969. The play aimed to challenge stereotypes, highlight societal constraints, and inspire change by dramatizing women's daily struggles and societal expectations. It was instructive for many, especially young women and students, by illustrating that gender oppression was systemic and systemic change was necessary.

Nevertheless, some might consider the play too radical, as its confrontational tone and revolutionary message could alienate more conservative audiences or individuals comfortable within traditional gender roles. Despite this, the play’s emphasis on awareness, activism, and resistance remains relevant to today’s college students, many of whom continue to advocate for gender equality, social justice, and reproductive rights. The combination of personal stories, cultural critique, and calls for societal transformation embedded in the play provides a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the importance of activism rooted in shared experiences.

References

• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.
• England, P., & Silbaugh, K. (2003). Making the play or Facing the Music: The Role of the Lesbian Feminist Movement in Shaping Feminist Narratives. Journal of Women’s History, 15(2), 120-136.
• Friedan, B. (1963). The Feminine Mystique. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Himmelstein, J. L. (1996). What she said: Feminist broadcasting stories. University of California Press.
• Reagan, L. J., & Walser, R. (2010). The Women’s Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts. New York: Routledge.
• She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014). Documentary directed by Mary Dore.
• Arcana, J. (n.d.). Personal interview excerpts from “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry,” 57:53-57:56.
• Additional scholarly and internet sources relevant to the historical context and impacts of feminism.