Chaptr
Kat C's Avatar
Friend to Frogs
4mo ago

Rivalry impeding concerted progress: "The lack of real communication between them shortchanged the movement more than their actual differences of opinion. Heavyweight activism benefits from a combination of incremental legal change and an ability to capture the public imagination (Sanger's style) as well as the dogged pursuit of fundamental, big-picture change (Dennett's)." Both approaches lacking intersectionality. Main themes regarding activism: not letting perfect be the enemy of good, recognizing that change happens incrementally, slowly. Seeking re-interpretation of existing laws/logic/systems rather than creating from scratch. Issues that overlap the personal and public realms of life - tricky, philosophical, even religious arguments. Actual sex education still not federally funded - just abstinence-only programs. "Build thou beyond thyself" - Sanger. Dennett on how birth control would transform family life: "The results, in much shorter a time than four or five generations, will be happier homes; greater mutual respect between husband and wife; honeymoons lasting two to three years before children arrive... That is what makes the difference between feeding and dining, being covered against the elements and being charmingly dressed, living in a cave and having a hospitable home." Not just survival, but joy.

historical
feminism
biography