Feminist Icon Gloria Steinem Was An Anti-Communist CIA Operative who Kept the Feminist Movement From Discussing Class; only Gender

Gloria Steinem, the woman who defied labels and blurred lines, is a case study in contradictions. Her life story reads like a spy novel with a dash of absurdity. Let’s dissect the enigma that is Gloria, shall we?

In the late 1950s, Steinem spent two years in India as a Chester Bowles Asian Fellow.

Upon her return to the United States, she served as the director of the Independent Research Service.

This organization was secretly funded by the CIA and aimed to send American students abroad to disrupt World Youth Festivals, which were propaganda events for the Soviet Union

The CIA Chronicles

Ah, the CIA — the clandestine agency that makes James Bond look like an amateur mixologist. Gloria Steinem, our unsuspecting heroine, once danced in its shadow. Picture this: Gloria, in a trench coat, whispering coded messages into a lipstick-shaped transmitter. Her mission? To infiltrate the feminist movement and keep it from veering into dangerous territory — like, say, socialism.

Yes, comrades, our Gloria was a capitalist spy, sipping martinis while plotting the downfall of the proletariat. It’s like “Mad Men” meets “The Handmaid’s Tale,” but with more shoulder pads.

Socialism? Not on Gloria’s Watch!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Gloria’s aversion to socialism. She saw it as the ultimate buzzkill for feminism. Why bother with economic equality when you can focus on breaking glass ceilings and burning bras? Forget about the working-class struggle; Gloria had more pressing matters — like ensuring that women could have it all (as long as “all” meant juggling career, family, and a killer pantsuit collection). Who needs universal healthcare when you’ve got a killer highlighter game?

The Gender vs. Class Debacle

But here’s where it gets juicy. Gloria wanted feminism to be all about gender, not class. Because nothing screams “empowerment” like ignoring the systemic economic disparities that disproportionately affect women of color, right? Let’s raise our champagne flutes to the audacity of it all! Who cares if working-class women can’t afford childcare or decent healthcare? As long as we’re smashing the patriarchy, the rest is just background noise.

The Company She Kept

And now, let’s unveil the secret society of leftist celebrities who moonlighted as anti-communist agents. These luminaries danced between activism and espionage, leaving us wondering if their true allegiance was to the cause or the cocktail party circuit:

1. Orson Welles: The man behind “Citizen Kane” was a vocal political leftist. Some even whispered that his film supported a Communist ideology.
2. Lena Horne: A singer, dancer, and actress, Lena was blacklisted for her civil rights activism and connection to Paul Robeson, another prime target of the anti-communist witch hunt.
3. Langston Hughes: The poet whose verses graced Communist newspapers. His words stirred hearts, but did they also stir up covert operations? We’ll never know.
4. Arthur Miller: The celebrated playwright who refused to name suspected Communists before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. His pen was mightier than the red scare.

Gloria Steinem’s journey — from CIA recruit to feminist icon — feels like a satirical play written by a tipsy playwright. Her legacy? A glittering trail of contradictions, a manifesto of selective activism, and a side order of cognitive dissonance. As she sips her organic, fair-trade coffee, Gloria winks at us from the pages of history. “Class struggle?” she chuckles. “Darling, that’s so last century. Let’s focus on shattering that glass ceiling — preferably with a diamond-encrusted hammer.”

What Did Gloria Steinem Get Right?

1. Founding “Ms.” Magazine

In the early 1970s, Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine, a groundbreaking publication that tackled contemporary issues from a feminist perspective. It wasn’t just a magazine; it was a manifesto. Ms. provided a platform for women’s voices, covering topics ranging from reproductive rights to workplace discrimination. Its impact was seismic, and it remains a beacon for feminists worldwide.

2. The National Women’s Political Caucus

Steinem didn’t stop at writing — she rolled up her sleeves and got political. Alongside Betty Friedan, Bella Abzug, and Shirley Chisholm, she founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971. This powerhouse organization aimed to amplify women’s voices in politics, advocating for equal representation and policy changes. Steinem’s commitment to political engagement reshaped the landscape for women in leadership.

3. Breaking the Bunny Mold

Remember her article, “I Was a Playboy Bunny”? Steinem peeled back the velvet curtain on Hugh Hefner’s empire, revealing the exploitative underbelly of the Playboy Club. Her exposé shed light on the objectification of women and sparked conversations about workplace rights. Gloria, the undercover bunny, became a symbol of resistance.

4. Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2013, President Barack Obama bestowed upon her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. It was a nod to her tireless advocacy, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her ability to ignite change. Not that a medal from the White House means much.

Steinem’s legacy extends beyond headlines and accolades. She championed reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and racial justice. Her activism transcended borders, and she stood shoulder to shoulder with activists worldwide. From India’s nonviolent protests to America’s suffrage movement, Gloria was there, pen in hand, amplifying the voices of the marginalized.

And yet she was a capitalist sympathizing CIA spook who danced with the darkest agency in the most oppressive country in the 20th century.

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