the midwest mystique

Betty Friedan, conceivably the most famous woman from my hometown, died yesterday. We went to the same high school. She was the valedictorian, went on to Smith, wrote a book that changed society as American knew it.

I was not the valedictorian, did not attend one of the Seven Sisters, and started a weblog.

As you can see we had a lot in common.

She was seen as a radical feminist but over time she was accused of being too "bourgeois." Say what you will about P-town, but its offspring inspire strong feelings for and against.

From today's online New York Times:

As the first president of NOW in 1966, Friedan staked out positions that seemed extreme at the time on such issues as abortion, sex-neutral help-wanted ads, equal pay, promotion opportunities and maternity leave.

But at the same time, Friedan insisted that the women's movement had to remain in the American mainstream, that men had to be accepted as allies and that the family should not be rejected.

Just as some have had a hard time honoring Richard Pryor, I don't think any kind of memorial or tribute has been created for this famous Peoria native. I hope it can be more progressive than the treatment she received during her childhood and even her adulthood, as outlined in the obituary from her hometown paper.

The most recent entrants in the "famous people from my hometown" category are Matt Savoie, who will skate at the upcoming Winter Olympics, and the Grammy-nominated hardcore band Mudvayne. Again, folks who inspire strong feelings for and against.