This is no simple reform. It really is a revolution. Sex and race because they are easy and visible differences have been the primary ways of organizing human beings into superior and inferior groups and into the cheap labour in which this system still depends. We are talking about a society in which there will be no roles other than those chosen or those earned. We are really talking about humanism. (Address to the Women of America)[1]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True equality requires a fundamental shift beyond race and sex, moving toward a society based on merit and humanism.
- In plain terms
- Real change means a society where roles are earned, not based on race or sex.
- What can you take from it?
- Equality needs systemic revolution, not just reform.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does a truly meritocratic society look like?
- Is revolution necessary for change?
Another view
The vision is idealistic and ignores practical barriers to implementation.
More from Gloria Steinem
As the little boy said when asked if he wanted to be a lawyer like his mother, 'Oh no, that's women's work.' (Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions)
Permalink to quote #1 Law and justice are not always the same. When they aren't, destroying the law may be the first step toward changing it.
Permalink to quote #3
Related quotes
There will never be a generation of great men until there has been a generation of free women - of free mothers.
Robert G. IngersollRobert G. Ingersoll quote #217 In the next ten years we will have to continue to make changes which will make the whole of this country a genuinely classless society.
John MajorJohn Major quote #1 The great problem of our civilization is still unsolved. We have to account for and grapple with the mass of misery and destitution in our midst, co-existent a…
Joseph ChamberlainJoseph Chamberlain quote #2