Last Wednesday, the famous—perhaps
more accurately “infamous”—feminist Gloria Steinem visited the Vassar campus.
Steinem held an hour-long book signing followed by the lecture, “An Evening
with Gloria Steinem” in the Chapel. I had the pleasure to attend both these
events, and my experience was hard to define; perhaps I’ll say it was
“interesting.”
Unfortunately,
most of the book signing took place while I was at work. When I left work at
five, I sprinted to the AULA in the hopes that there would still be copies of
Steinem’s book left for me to have her sign. As one might expect, they were all
gone. I then went to the Vassar bookstore only to find that their books were
also sold out. They did however, offer me some labels—so when copies of her
book came in I could purchase one and put the label on it as if Steinem had
signed the book itself. I took the labels, and hurried back to the signing.
After waiting for
twenty minutes the moment arrived: my chance to meet Gloria Steinem. Although I
am aware of the gross transphobic, racist, and classist things Steinem has said
in the past and in her book, I was still slightly enthusiastic to meet her. Our
meeting occurred at approximately 5:27 PM, three minutes before the signing was
scheduled to end. I didn’t have time to take a legitimate picture with her,
instead I settled for an “in action” shot of Gloria signing my labels, while I
stood above her, watching.
I was pressed for
time, since my friend and I agreed to meet for dinner ten minutes prior. So I
didn’t attempt to start a profound conversation with her about feminism in the
twenty-first century. In fact, I didn’t say much of anything. I’m pretty sure
the only words I said to her were my name, “Anna” and a lackluster “have a nice
day.” Looking back, I could’ve at least tried to be less gauche.
After dinner, my
friend and I went to the Chapel to hear Steinem speak. This being a lecture
about feminism, a topic I have many complicated feelings about, and it being my
first lecture here at Vassar, I couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy.
If asked what
Steinem said during her talk, I honestly wouldn’t be able to explain in a
coherent sentence. What held my attention most were the questions asked
afterwards. I was just as giddy to hear what Vassar students would ask Ms.
Steinem, as I was giddy for the lecture itself. Despite the collective
uncomfortable moments caused by both questions from students and the responses
they generated from Steinem, I am so grateful the questions were asked.
I left “An Evening
with Gloria Steinem” a little jaded—it’s disappointing when such an influential
figure is respectful to certain aspects of social justice while disrespectful to
so many others. However, I left the chapel hopeful because I know the feminists
at Vassar (and hopefully those outside of the Vassar community) will prosper
where Steinem fell flat. So I will keep the labels with her signature, and the
pictures of her on my iPhone, for nothing if not for the optimism I gained from
attending her lecture.
Written by: Anna Iovine
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