Lessons Learned from My Life on the Road

Before reading My Life on the Road, I expected the book to be a feminist critique regarding social issues, but after embarking on Gloria Steinem’s journey, I learned this book is much more. This book is certainly not a Feminist critique, as Steinem turns her life into a story filled with highs, lows, and plenty of adventure. Steinem advocates for more than just women’s equality, she fights for equal human rights!

           

Steinem has a keen ability to take an important lesson out of every life event. She used to stay with a friend at her place in Brooklyn, but whenever she needed to leave she wouldn't be able to call a yellow cab since they wouldn't go there due to it being a primarily African American neighborhood. She used a ride service called Black Pearl, that would actually serve the area, but as she used this ride service she noticed that each individual driver had a unique story. She was assigned a driver that had Venetian blinds in his car, the only car of its kind. He explained that the blinds were to provide a private place for people because the problem with New York is that nobody has privacy, so his car could be that sanctuary for people. He'd drive around for as long as people would like just, so they'd have enough time to enjoy their privacy and he thought of himself as a rescuer. He gave examples of Catholic girls riding with their boyfriends, a Muslim man would listen to explicit music, and single mothers could get away from their kids. People are looked down upon for nearly anything whether it be their religion, sexuality, or marital status. They’re always being looked down upon for one reason or another and this man’s car served as a full escape for them to be free. In his car, they don't need to worry about what others say or think because they can't see it. This man was a rescuer and created a safe haven for people to escape the harsh realities of the world we live in.

Much of Steinem’s life was made up of volunteering in the political world, but it wasn't until she got older than she realized her volunteering happened in three stages. The first stage was made up of her volunteering for different campaigns and being used as an assistant to do whatever the campaign needed to be successful. The second stage was founding, establishing, and growing different women's groups. The third stage, which is my favorite and her favorite, is where she'd campaign as she wished. She'd travel cross country, stay in random places, and fight for what she believed in. She specifically went to swing states where she knew she could have the biggest impact on voting. My true admiration for Steinem is in her ability and willingness to speak freely in favor of what she believes in. Even when she was struggling, she'd go all-in and preach what she believed, putting her message out into the world for it to be heard by all people.

I’m glad this book wasn’t the prototypical book I expected it to be because, in the end, it was so much more. Woman’s rights were at the forefront of her beliefs, but I truly think Steinem is an advocate for human equality. The book made me think of the feminist movement in a new way and I'm glad that we're finally seeing some change today. Hopefully, one day in the future, if I'm lucky to have a daughter she'll be able to live in a world equal for all genders, sexualities, races, and religions.