Betty Friedan, 1921 - 2006

Thanks to an email this morning from Marion Dent of And the Beat Goes On, I am reminded that today is the first anniversary of the death of Betty Friedan who, as author of The Feminine Mystique, was founder of a movement that dramatically improved life for half the human race.

Less known but equally prescient is Ms. Friedan’s other important book, The Fountain of Age which has been and continues to be as much an inspiration for this blog as her first book was to millions of women in the 1960s and since.

Perhaps because it is lonely work, particularly in the beginning when an idea is new and uncomfortable, people who rage against the status quo are frequently seen by others as dour sorts, too serious about their (usually self-imposed) mission to have ordinary fun like other folks. It is not so, but is a common perception. So it is good on this day to have Diane Meehan, writing at Huffington Post, to tell us some delightful, personal stories about the Betty Friedan she knew which help us to further understand this pioneering woman.

Comments

[joared]

I enjoyed Ms Meehan's personal account of some of her experiences with, as you said, "the Betty Friedan she knew." Thanks for this link and reminder.

I loved the spirit of Betty Friedan -- this woman who wasn't afraid to be herself, feared little of what others might think of her, pursued an issue which she believed was long overdue for justice,and in so doing ultimately earned the respect of so many. Fortunate are those who intimately know someone like that.

I don't think it's uncommon sometimes for individuals with an agenda such as Friedan to be perceived by many to be too driven, maybe even humorless, at times too serious about a topic of injustice that is their focus, partially because so many others haven't given it much thought, or, too readily accept change is not possible.

Just as with the historic figures Meehan named, I believe that is true today on issues other than just feminism. Perhaps ageism even falls into that category.

I also suspect many such figures, if they've allowed themselves intimates, who at some point make us privy to these personal descriptions of other than the public persona and perceptions, then we might get a glimpse of individuals quite possessed of warmth, caring and humor to a greater depth than most might realize.

[Darlene]

It's always so nice to read the memories about a famous person penned by someone who knew them personally. It puts the human side of that person in perspective. I never thought of Betty Friedan as being funny so it's great to read about what a well rounded person she was. I am lamenting the death of another "great broad" (as she has been described), Molly Ivins. I loved that woman without ever having met her and it's bittersweet to read the memorials by those who knew her best. I bet that she and Betty would have been soul sisters.