“Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.” ― Gloria Steinem
As I mature, this line by Gloria Steinem resonates exponentially. On its own it could be an anthem of power, an invitation of liberation. However, she originally said it because she saw women lose power as they aged. Maybe the discomfort prompted by chronic bias changes one’s perspective – makes it easier to get pissed.
Young women may be more buoyant. The patriarchy still values their youth and sex appeal – and as workers, wives and for childbearing. Not all, but quite a few lassies:
“… haven’t yet experienced the life events that are most radicalizing for women: entering the paid-labor force and discovering how women are treated there; marrying and finding out that it is not yet an equal partnership; having children and discovering who raises them and who does not; and aging, still a far greater penalty for women than for men.”
– Gloria Steinem; Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions
Yet, it’s heartening to hear Gloria Steinem’s observation that women today are more aware and perceptive far earlier than previous generations. They’re taking up the mantle to transform the imbalance.
Navigating the perpetual disparity of our sex and aging can be overwhelming, and move some of us to join Twisted Sister’s call to arms:
In her book Women Who Run With the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, warns:
“There is a time in our lives, usually in mid-life, when a woman has to make a decision – possibly the most important psychic decision of her future life – and that is, whether to be bitter or not. Women often come to this in their late thirties or early forties. They are at the point where they are full up to their ears with everything and they’ve “had it” and “the last straw has broken the camel’s back” and they’re “pissed off and pooped out.” Their dreams of their twenties may be lying in a crumple. There may be broken hearts, broken marriages, broken promises.”
Being persistently outraged is miserable, especially when there’s so much sweet life to savor. How do I align with this cheeky paradox? A friend of mine calls herself a happy warrior. Call me envious!
Maintaining my equilibrium when hit with a wave of outrage is a work in progress. Still, I’m confident my contributions make a difference. When I left Corporate it didn’t resemble what I inherited – in a good way. I’m grateful for those willing to take the baton. The new generations have the power to take it from here.
It’s possible to appreciate my feminist roots, represent, and remain joyful.
“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés
