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Gloria Steinem's Fight for 'Ms.' Against The Times
4 Sep
Summary
- Gloria Steinem championed the honorific 'Ms.' against significant opposition.
- Executive editor A.M. Rosenthal initially resisted 'Ms.' for The Times.
- The Times adopted 'Ms.' in 1986 after 13 years of debate and resistance.
Feminist icon Gloria Steinem spearheaded the widespread adoption of the honorific 'Ms.,' challenging traditional marital status indicators for women. Her advocacy involved a prolonged exchange of letters with A.M. Rosenthal, the executive editor of The New York Times, a publication known for its linguistic influence.
In 1973, Steinem argued that forcing women to disclose marital status was unfair compared to men. Protesters even demonstrated at the newspaper's headquarters. Rosenthal, however, initially resisted, citing 'Ms.' not being sufficiently integrated into the language and potential public objection.
Despite initial resistance, Steinem sent Rosenthal a preview of her new magazine, 'Ms.,' in late 1971, seeking his advice. Rosenthal offered a critique of the magazine's appearance and content breadth but acknowledged the value of the publication's concept.
After nearly 13 years of internal discussion and external pressure, The Times, under Rosenthal's leadership and with publisher Arthur Ochs Sulzberger's backing, finally reversed its policy. In June 1986, Rosenthal announced the adoption of 'Ms.,' recognizing it as part of the common language. Steinem marked the occasion with a floral gesture, two weeks before Rosenthal's final major decision as executive editor.
