Magazine Developed
1972
Gloria Steigman cofounder of Magazine
New magazine came out, pretty goo
Considers women are human being
This is revolutionary, woman was not listened to, strictly defined gender roles
Explained that she was compelled First owned, run, and written by women
She was already well known as feminist
Steiman was serious about the issue
Journalist
-Playboy
Famous thing, working conditions woman subjected to
-Was Activist, to combat sexism
-Was working for male dominant radio stations
Even though some women working for, they don’t really affect woman experiences
Didn’t deal with sexism and harassment
-She said she started in desperation
SO many they were not working for what they were reading, not targeting woman as audience
Male publists probably reject those kind of stories <br/.
-Were magazines targeting woman, but that was the only thing out there
Steiman thought not addressing the strugglems in the man dominated society <br/.
-Much easier not to start the magazine
No other way to be honest with woman’s experiences
-First idea, not to start a magazine, but start a newsletter instead to raise money
Get out of the sort of writing we care about
Flyrnce KEnnedy came up with the idea, what about magazine?
Bimbo, ironically, rejected
Sojouner Truth, women right’s activist, hated slavery
No,, think as a travel magazine
Mr: Always men… Miss: Not married & Mrs: married
Mrs:
Bold state, women are defined whether or not they are married
This is what we prefer to be used
Miss: Gone out of style
Start a magazie, need money
Clay Felker
Got together and made New York magazine
Clay Felker, first issue of MRs will be 40 page insert in NEw yorks magazine
A part of New York Magazine for month
Let’s see what happens, and became popular among women
Test issue.. whether women did wnat this kind of
Gave them enough money to keep the test issue out
Kali
Use all 8 arms (do things that women supposed to do)
Women meed beauty standards and look good at the same time
Jane O reiller
Co-fonder of Mrs. Magazine
Click: JUst have the idea or realization
Women waking up and suddenly realize
PUt a petition
Have had 50 well-known women signed their names to the petition
Abortion was not nationally legalized until 1973
1st Issue: 300,000 copies
WEren’t sure publish it every month
Perhaps people buy it
But in 8 days, sold out and 26000 people subscribed
HUge interest
Magazine nation wide
Advertisement & Investsment -> Got money
1972
No longer NEw york magazine insert, and became its own magazine
PIvotal role
Ms Magazine helped Feminism to more public converstaions
cover all kinds of women issues
Poltiitcal figures, activists began to publish there
Provided platform for women to share experiences and opinions
Some of the topics looked at was ignored, or seen as taboo nobody wanted to talk about
Knew, but Mrs.magazine decided we are goint to tlak about
Sometimes witty
Women felt connected
Fostering a community
Common: Wanted to write letters to the editor, magazine and letters published some of the letters
Got more many more letters, stereotypical letters
Typical theme of letters:
Click, fully to my senses, finally realized that
Can’t express, nobody talking aobut it, think you are strange
Before felt isolated and lonley, thought something was wrong with me
WOmen2:
Relieve and happiness
Get more energy
Conforting to know that sense of purpose in your life
Face criticism
Little bit cautious
Elite.. college women enthnic minorities or workin woman
Lack of diversity in the publication
Go through financial struggles
Ms Magazine struggled financially
Economic downturn, recession and tough on lots of people
Advertising companies, want to influence what was published, but Mrs. stuck to their guns
That made hard to get advertising companies
Now owned by non-profist Feminist Majority Foundation
Publish -> Influece
Media ecosystem, get picked up from radio station or tv
Mainstream media, was not giving voice
The magazine was important in that regard
trailblazing
Pioneering or innovative efforts, particularly in creating new paths, methods, or standards that haven’t been explored or established before
reproductive
Issues, rights, and health concerning the ability to reproduce and the freedom to make decisions about one’s own reproductive processes
Everything related to the ability to have children and making choices about that process
This includes a wide range of topics such as birth control, abortion rights, fertility treatments, pregnancy, childbirth, and the health care and policies that support or regulate these aspects
groundbreaking
Something that was very new and innovative at the time it was introduced, doing things no one else had done beforegroundbreaking
Gloria Steinem called the feminist magazine Ms. “groundbreaking” because it was the first magazine that was owned, operated, and written by women
advocating
Supporting or promoting something passionately
articulate
Very good at expressing her ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively
It suggests that Gloria Steinem was able to communicate her views on feminism, social justice, and other issues in a way that people could easily understand and resonate with
committed
Dedicated and devoted to her causes, showing a strong sense of dedication and persistence in her activism and journalism
The term highlights her unwavering dedication to exposing injustices, advocating for women’s rights, and making significant efforts to bring about social change
founded
Established or created
Gloria Steinem, along with Brenda Feigen and Dorothy Pitman-Hughes, established or created the Women’s Action Alliance in 1971
It implies that they took the initiative to start this organization as a way to address and fight against sexism
empower
To give someone the power or confidence to do something
In the case of the Women’s Action Alliance, the goal was to empower women
Meaning the organization aimed to give women the tools, confidence, and support they needed to stand up against sexism and make positive changes in society for themselves and others
publications
Newspapers, magazines, and possibly online media outlets where articles, stories, and information are printed or published for the public to read
When it mentions “publications women wrote for,” it’s talking about the places where women journalists and writers could have their work published
The issue Gloria Steinem observed was that these outlets did not accurately or sufficiently represent the real-life experiences of women, including herself
barriers
Obstacles or challenges that prevent progress
Obstacles or challenges that make it difficult for women to achieve equality or succeed in various aspects of life, including in their careers, personal development, or social status
These barriers could be discriminatory practices, cultural norms, or institutional policies that disadvantage women
harassment
Aggressive pressure or intimidation
Aggressive pressure or intimidation, often in a sexual manner, but also in forms of bullying or unwelcome behavior that women face in their day-to-day lives, especially in the workplace or in public spaces. This harassment is part of the sexism that women deal with regularly
sexism
Discrimination based on a person’s sex, usually manifesting as prejudice against women and resulting in unequal treatment or attitudes
contended with
To struggle against, face, or deal with challenges or difficulties
So, when it’s said that women “contended with sexism, barriers, and harassment on a daily basis,” it means they were regularly facing and trying to overcome these issues
feel that
Personal belief or perception
The personal belief or perception of these women writers and editors regarding their work and the environment they were in
It indicates that these individuals did not believe or perceive that the magazines they were working for reflected their own interests or allowed them to share and be truthful about their personal experiences
glossy
shiny, high-quality
The physical appearance of the magazines, which have a shiny, high-quality finish on their pages. This term also implies that the content might be more focused on surface-level issues or aesthetics, typical of many fashion and lifestyle magazines
nominally
Name only
While these publications were targeted at women, the depth of content that truly reflected women’s diverse interests and concerns was lacking
The use of “nominally” implies a discrepancy between the magazines’ intended audience and the actual relevance or significance of their content to that audience’s lives
parenting advice
Guidance and tips related to raising children
This content was typical of women’s magazines at the time, focusing on how to be a good parent, child care, and other related topics, reflecting societal expectations of women’s roles primarily as caregivers
addressing
Discussing, tackling, or dealing with certain topics or issues
In this context, Steinem felt that these magazines were not addressing the real and significant struggles that women faced in a society where men held most of the power and influence
Instead, the magazines focused on traditional roles and interests assigned to women, without challenging the status quo or exploring deeper issues of equality, rights, and women’s liberation
getting out
Distributing or making something available to a broader audience
It refers to Steinem’s intention to spread or publish the type of writing and content that she and her colleagues valued, which focused on women’s issues, rights, and stories that mainstream publications were not covering
newsletter
A type of publication, usually consisting of a simple, concise format, that is regularly distributed to a specific audience to provide information on particular topics or interests
Newsletters are often used by organizations and groups to communicate updates, news, and other relevant content to their members or supporters
outrageous
Extraordinary, bold, and perhaps unconventional in someone’s actions, thoughts, or style
In this context, “outrageous” describes Florynce Kennedy in a positive and admiring way
It suggests that Kennedy was extraordinary, bold, and perhaps unconventional in her actions, thoughts, or style
The term indicates that Kennedy had a strong and impactful presence, likely challenging norms and standing out due to her remarkable personality or groundbreaking actions
By calling Kennedy an “outrageous woman,” the speaker highlights her distinctive and influential character, which made her a memorable and inspiring figure in the movement for women’s rights and social justice.
In tribute to
To honor or show respect for someone’s memory or achievements
When the founders considered the name “Sojourner” for their magazine, it was meant as a way to honor Sojourner Truth, acknowledging her significant contributions and legacy
Naming the magazine after her would have been a way to keep her memory and the values she stood for alive in the magazine’s mission
Abolitionist
A person who advocated for the abolition
In the context, a person who advocated for the abolition (or the end) of slavery
In the case of Sojourner Truth, she was an African-American woman who escaped from slavery and became a prominent activist not only for the abolition of slavery but also for women’s rights. Her work involved speaking out against slavery and fighting for equality, making her a significant figure in both movements
put out a test issue
To produce and distribute a preliminary version or trial run of something
In the case, to produce and distribute a preliminary version or trial run ofthe magazine to gauge public interest and response
featured
prominently displayed or included a particular image or subject
Here, it indicates that the image of the Hindu goddess Kali was the main visual element or focus on the cover of the magazine
surfeit
An excessive amount or overabundance of something
In this case, it describes the overwhelming number of chores or tasks that the goddess Kali is depicted as managing simultaneously
The use of “surfeit” emphasizes the unrealistic and excessive expectations placed on women to handle a wide array of responsibilities
moment of truth
A critical or pivotal time when a person realizes or recognizes the truth about a situation, leading to a significant shift in their perspective or understanding
Jane O’Reilly’s article “Click: The Housewife’s Moment of Truth” discusses the profound realization or epiphany that women experience upon recognizing the biases and inequalities present in society against them