Kestrin Pantera's Blog
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Kestrin's Top 3 Superstars of the 20th Century
- Posted on 03.02.09
In honor of this March being Women's History Month, I'm going to list off my "Top 3 American Women Superstars of the 20th Century." These women effected massive change across our political, ecological, and
creative landscapes, and I think everyone would benefit from learning a little bit more about these goddesses:
Kestrin's Top 3 Superstars of the 20th Century
1. Shirley Chisholm:
One of the earliest members of the National Organization for Women, she became the first major-party black
candidate for President of the United States (on January 25, 1972-- over 30 years before President Obama). She was also the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Just THINK about the social/political climate in the 1970's. This woman had cajones like no other. Her indomitable spirit and inspired determination always remind me to fight the good fight. Check out the mind-blowing
documentary about her, "Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbossed" http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2005/chisholm/about_chisholm.html It makes me proud to be an American woman.
2. Rachel Carson:
A biologist and nature writer in the 1950's, Rachel's research changed the way chemicals are used in our society and helped save thousands of lives (both animal and human) in the process. Her book, "Silent Spring", led a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticides and began the grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. A true American hero, the enviornmental health of our nation is due in great part to Ms. Carson's work. Our future environmental health depends on brave, outspoken researchers who will follow in her footsteps.
3. Jackie O:
I could go on all day about this one. More than just a symbol of style and elegance, Jackie revolutionized modern media relations, international politics, and saved the America's global image by knowing how to work a room (and the press). A political and PR maven, Jackie soothed European/American relations in the early 1960's by giving campaign speeches in Spanish, French, and Italian (all of which she was fluent in), after JFK got off to a rocky political start with French Prime Minister Charles de Gaulle. She sweet-talked French Minister of Culture Andre Malraux into lending America the Mona Lisa in May of 1961, and gave our nation a well-needed dose of culture during the Cold War. She helped pave the way for the creation of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Arts, and I think she would've swooned at Yo Yo Ma's performance at Obama's inauguration.
I, for one, swoon over these three women on a regular basis. I think it is imperative that everyone know just a snippet more of their contributions which have made our world a better place. A great exercise to do before Sunday, March 8 (which is International Women's Day) is to google each of these super-stars and find out more about how they positively shaped the world we live in.
Adios, and have a fabulous March!
Kestrin
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Thank you for contributing to our celebration of Women's History Month, Kestrin, what GREAT and inspiring info!