Gloria Steinem at 92: A Lifetime of Activism

Journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, at the remarkable age of 92, remains a vital voice in contemporary discourse. She continues to write, learn, and challenge societal norms, though she admits she may not have much to say about conventional beauty. Steinem has dedicated over half a century to feminist causes, co-founding Ms. magazine in the early 1970s and tirelessly advocating for equality.

A Legacy of Impact

In 2013, President Barack Obama recognized Steinem’s contributions with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Despite her long and impactful career, she remains grounded and focused on continued growth. She recently shared her perspective during a gathering hosted by Maison, a private network for women entrepreneurs, at her Upper East Side brownstone – a home she’s occupied since the 1960s.

The Irony of Appearance

Steinem’s own striking appearance – characterized by highlighted hair and a stylish demeanor – has often been noted. She acknowledges this irony, having been described as “the pretty one” early in her activism. Her lifelong stance that beauty is inconsequential warrants examination, especially given the societal pressures surrounding it.

On Beauty Standards and Self-Acceptance

“Each person is a world,” Steinem emphasizes, “and we get to learn from each other.” She shared her personal approach to beauty, stating, “I’ve never worn lipstick…I look awful in lipstick.” Her routine is minimal, consisting of a little eye makeup acquired during two years living in India. She believes everyone should be encouraged to embrace their unique selves.

Rejecting External Pressures

Steinem argues that the pressure to conform to a single beauty ideal is not the individual’s problem, but rather the responsibility of those who perpetuate it. She questions why exterior qualities are valued more for women than for men. Plastic surgery, in her view, is appropriate for correcting accidents or birth defects, but unnecessary otherwise.

Navigating Scrutiny and Promoting Substance

Early in her career, Steinem strategically used her appearance, hiding behind glasses and hair, and often speaking alongside women of different ethnicities to present a more representative image. She recalls the frustration of having her appearance commented on instead of her message. She found that directly addressing this bias – asking how her reporting would differ if she were a man – was often effective.

Progress and Remaining Challenges

Steinem believes some progress has been made in allowing women to age and remain relevant. She notes that women are increasingly valued for their accomplishments rather than their looks. However, true progress will be achieved when a woman’s appearance is no longer a topic of discussion during political campaigns, just as it isn’t for men.

Embracing Age and Authenticity

Steinem embraces the benefits of age, stating, “Age is good. It beats the alternative, and it means you’ve been in good health.” She values the wisdom gained through experience and emphasizes the importance of simply looking like oneself. She is currently working on finishing a book and remains optimistic about the future, even setting a goal to live to 130 years old.