Gloria Steinem at the Showbox in Seattle
Hosted by Planned Parenthood October
2004
I wore my Suffragette outfit for a Get-out-the-Vote event for Kerry
and other pro-choice candidates, sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Since
Gloria S. was the star speaker, it was the perfect occasion. Got lots
of attention for my costume in the waiting line outside.
PP has never before endorsed a candidate--lots of talk about reproductive rights. Many of the local Dem candidates spoke, including Rep. Jim McDermott.
I expected lots of Boomers, but it was at least 75% young people. Many more compliments on the costume, some wanting to take my picture or my business card. I greeted Jim McDermott & his wife, and they recognized me, although the last time we met, I was wearing a bellydance costume.
I
met Gloria Steinem! Hard to believe, but she is 70; looks and sounds about
the same as decades ago. Of course, she's the one who, when someone remarked,
"You don't look 40," famously replied "This is what 40 looks like. We've
been lying about our ages so long, who knew?"
As I recall, she ended her talk with something like "We're going to take our fucking country back!" Pronounced perfectly...she doesn't drop her G's, even when using this type of um, street language. That would be contrived.
After I elbowed my way to the front of the crowd, I realized my husband was on the other side of theater with the camera. I tried to get his attention, but couldn't. I dared not leave my place, because I might not be able to get close to Gloria again. I asked if anyone had a camera--none did. Damn! I SO wanted a picture with Gloria Steinem. I learned my lesson, don't EVER be without a camera again.
I shook her hand, told her I was thrilled to meet her, and had admired her for 30+ years. She looked a bit more frail up close; her hand was very thin. She seemed amused by the costume--"Oh, we have a Suffragette"--but she was mobbed by people wanting a moment of her attention and autographs, so I didn't ask her to autograph my sign.
Gloria's talk inspired me to write a diary on DKos about Street Theater:
One thing in Gloria's speech that struck me: she said what they (The Powers That Be) DON'T want you to know is that political activism is FUN! The bonding, the excitement, the suspense, the strategizing, the thrill-of-victory-agony-of-defeat (my words), friendships, community; she said music, art, theater, even romance & sex, all joyful activities can be part of these political events, anything can happen! Way to get the Gen-Y-ers to prick up their ears, Gloria!
That was a savvy point she made. Many Americans avoid politics & remain apathetic because they think of political activism as a thankless, tedious, boring and difficult pursuit that only the fanatical or power-hungry would devote time to. (That was the case with me!) If not for this belief, it could be as popular as other absorbing, entertaining or challenging activities like team sports, concerts, computer games, competitions, etc. Except that it's based on real life, not fantasy.