Gloria Steinem - Smith College's 2016 Presidential Colloquium Series

Activist Gloria Steinem, who is widely known for her grass roots work in the 1970s Feminist Movement, was invited back to her alma mater Smith College to be part of the 2016 Presidential Colloquium, "Thinking in Public in a Networked World." To a packed audience, Steinem spoke candidly about the recent media outrage regarding a comment she made about young female voters and discussed the ways in which social media platforms can hinder rather than help social justice work. Gloria Steinem, who graduated from Smith in 1956, has dedicated her life to gender equality, social justice, and political activism. In the 1960s, she became a leader and major voice for the Feminist Movement and has committed to the cause of creating positive social change. In the 1970s, she co-founded Ms. Magazine, which helped give women a voice in American Journalism. She has also published several books including her most recent, My Life on the Road (2015). In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded Steinem the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian honor. To conclude her talk, Steinem warned the audience about using social networks to discuss political and social ideas. Instead, she feels these conversations are better left to be shared in person and as a community. This lecture was recorded on March 28th, 2016 at John M. Green Hall at Smith College.