Reader's Nominations

Nikki (MISSMAO)

Another woman who I think should be famous is Audre Lorde. She was somewhat well known in New York, her home state, and in the field of women's studies, but not really outside those areas. She was a black feminist, lesbian, poet, and essayist. I think she is a great "role model" because she was proud of herself and of her African heritage, and because she dealt with the issue of difference in her writings. One of the things she said was that the three ways people tend to deal with difference are to copy, to ignore, and to destroy, and I always try to keep that in mind when dealing with difference in my own life. I like her poetry, and I find that in her prose she is very good at being in touch with human nature and expressing that in-touch-ness (Okay, so that's not a word.).

For example: "I urge each one of us to reach down into that deep place of knowledge inside herself and touch that terror and loathing of any difference that lives there."

Audre Lorde had breast cancer, and she eventually died of it. I read a really moving essay of hers about how she was at the oncologist's office for a follow-up after having had one of her breasts removed, and how she reacted when a nurse urged her to wear a prosthetic breast, saying that the staff didn't like it when patients came to the office without them. She wore and designed jewelry for women who only had one breast. :)

Andrea (INDIEANDIE)

Anyway, as far as religious freedom in our early historical years; we must keep in mind that "women" were counted as the slaves were counted; property, chattel, toys...and my memory may fail me here, but the Quaker and Pilgrim religious beliefs that women martyred themselves against, has evolved into liberal Unitarian and Universalist philosophy. One woman in particular, Judith Sargent Murray, the wife of a Universalist minister, is known as the "the first real feminist" for her essay, "The Equality of the Sexes". Her literary, religious and political influences are just now resurfacing. Another very cool woman of influence and well worth rediscovering.

M (MERRYNS)

Gro Harlem Brundtland - Director General of World Health Organisation; former president of Norway ...

"Morality becomes hypocrisy if it means accepting mothers suffering or dying in connection with unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortions and unwanted children living in misery. None of us, none of us, whatever our religion can disregard that abortions occur and that where they are illegal or heavily restricted the life and health of the woman is often at risk. Decriminalising abortions should therefore be a minimal response to this reality and a necessary means of protecting the life and the health of women."

PAMHAN

I think this is a great topic and I have many names I could suggest. As I may have mentioned very early on, I do research for a radio show at my campus station (just for fun) and last week we did a show on women in astronomy. Check out this nice little article about Annie Jump Cannon - someone I hope you all come to think of when you look up. ... Pam

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