The American woman has left the cocoon of her home and entered the work force, thereby enriching herself and society at large. Artificial barriers have fallen or have been stormed, and the United States is better for it. As these words are written, the glass ceiling is being picked apart and dismantled by women who are establishing themselves and making their voices heard.
As the saucy 1980s cigarette ad blared, you’ve come a long way, baby.
In Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ documentary, American Masters: The Women’s List, which will be broadcast on the PBS network on Friday, September 25 at 9 pm, 15 self-confident and articulate women who’ve been trailblazers in their respective fields sound off about their lives in forceful sound bites.
Toni Morrison, the novelist, opens the film with a strong statement on how women have carried out a “peaceful invasion” of America. Alicia Keys, the singer/songwriter, observes that women have every reason to be proud. “We’re so incredibly capable,” she exults.
Sara Blakely, an entrepreneur who parlayed $5,000 into a panty hose empire, remembers her first cold call to a seasoned buyer at a department store. Nia Wordlaw, one of only 25 female pilots employed by a major airline, remembers the tense atmosphere as she took off on a flight as the terrorist events of September 11, 2001 unfolded. Laurie Anderson, the artist, admits she gets tired of constantly hearing her own voice. “It’s torture,” she says.
Rosie Perez, the actor, says she burst into tears upon being informed she had been nominated for an Academy Award. Aimee Mullins, an athlete and fashion model who happens to be a double amputee, explains how she overcame adversity and self doubts. Shonda Rhimes, a writer and producer, says her parents couldn’t understand how she’d ever earn a living.
Nancy Polosi, the first woman to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, was born into a political family, her father having been the mayor of Baltimore and a congressman. A traditional woman, she went straight from the “kitchen” to the U.S. Congress.
Edie Falco, an actor and single mother, says she insinuates herself into the characters she portrays. Betsey Johnson, a fashion designer, talks about her battle with cancer. Margaret Cho, a standup comedian, says her mother was extremely disappointed by her career choice.
Elizabeth Holmes, a scientist/entrepreneur, started a business with her parent’s retirement funds. Wendy Williams, a talk show host, explains why she goes against the grain. Gloria Allred, a lawyer, feminist and victim of sexual assault, recalls having moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles as a single mom with only $100 in her pocket.
Some stories are better than others, and nearly all are heart-felt, inspiring and empathetic, delineating the progress American women have made in the past few decades.