Back in the day when there WAS an actual feminist movement, even the Republican First Lady identified as feminist. In the 1970s, First Lady Betty Ford advocated the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), was openly pro choice and proudly told the world that she was a feminist. The Republican First Lady actually stated that she supported women's lib and was pro abortion rights. (See the video clip below.) And she was popular. Remarkably, Betty Ford said that being First Lady did not mean she could not speak her mind. Shocking, I know. After three long decades of a conservative era, those days are long gone. Nowadays, the First Lady's first duty is to be the First Wife, or keep her mouth shut in all matters that might cause the slightest discomfort for the First Husband.
Here's to the hope that we will once again see the day when the First Lady is a role model for feminists. That should happen in the coming progressive era, if global warming or swine flu or utter ignorance, or mad men in religious wars don't destroy us all.
This is chapter IV of the PBS documentary - Betty Ford: The Real Deal:
Or watch Betty Ford identify as a feminist and express her support for abortion rights, etc. in a couple of 2 minute clips over at Jezebel.
Feminist News Progressive Politics Coming Progressive Era First Wives of Patriarchy
This is chapter IV of the PBS documentary - Betty Ford: The Real Deal:
Or watch Betty Ford identify as a feminist and express her support for abortion rights, etc. in a couple of 2 minute clips over at Jezebel.
Feminist News Progressive Politics Coming Progressive Era First Wives of Patriarchy
