Random Blog 1 (My Life on The Road - Gloria Steinem)

 

Gloria Steinem does an impeccable job of challenging the perception that stability is a necessity for living a successful and fulfilling life. Learning about her experiences over the first two chapters of the book has made her astute observation skills clear. Beyond being a media personality, her journalistic roots are clearly visible. In the first chapter, she seems to imply that her skills as a journalist are a product of her time on the road, observing the world pass by. As someone who was raised in an environment that fostered entrepreneurship, adventure and enthusiasm for travel, she was naturally left with a sense of adventure and willingness to explore. I think I share this need to explore, but only because I feel that I have been stationary for more of my life. I want to interact with new cultures, meet new people and experience everything that the world has to offer. 

In the second chapter, she gets a little bit more sombre, addressing her professional journey and touching upon her adult life, which brought with it a variety of challenges. While her journalism journey started from her love for telling stories about her travels, she was introduced to many of the worlds injustices, especially those surrounding the experience of women around the US. Through a recounting of specific journeys and interactions, she described how she came to understand the realities of gender inequality. I think her observation skills played a crucial role in how quickly she came to these realizations. She had always been someone who was proud of her unique experiences and personal identity, and I think that is what drew her to activism. Its inspiring to see someone unapologetically stand for what they believe in, I hope to develop this kind of confidence. Often we are so caught up in what the world thinks of us, that we lose our own beliefs in the process. I feel that Gloria’s story inspires people to be their truest selves.