ByABC News
September 6, 2000, 1:58 AM
S T I L W E L L, Okla., Sept. 6 -- Gloria Steinem, the feminist icon whoonce dismissed marriage as an institution that destroysrelationships, is a first-time bride at the age of 66.
Steinem, the co-founder of Ms. magazine, married SouthAfrican-born entrepreneur David Bale, 61, in rural Oklahoma onSunday.
“Though I’ve worked many years to make marriage more equal, Inever expected to take advantage of it myself,” Steinem said in arelease issued by Voters for Choice, a political action committeeshe helped create.
“I’m happy, surprised and one day will write about it, but fornow, I hope this proves what feminists have always said — thatfeminism is about the ability to choose what’s right at each timeof our lives.”
Ceremony at Sunrise
The small ceremony attended by close family and friends tookplace in the Adair County home of Wilma Mankiller, former chief ofthe Cherokee Nation and Steinem’s friend, said Nicole Vandenberg, aVoters for Choice board member.
It was conducted at sunrise by an Oklahoma judge and CharlieSoap, a Cherokee spiritual person and Mankiller’s husband.
During the ceremony, the word “partners” was substituted for“husband and wife.”
Steinem and Bale, the father of Shaft and AmericanPsycho actor Christian Bale, met in October 1999 at a Voters forChoice benefit in Los Angeles, Vandenberg said. Bale is a longtimesupporter of the group.
An anti-apartheid activist at an early age, Bale has livedmostly in England, the release said. There, he worked as a pilotand among other projects helped import the first skateboards to thecountry. Bale moved to Los Angeles in 1990.
Steinem, who grew up in Toledo, Ohio, authored books includingOutrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions and Revolution fromWithin.
The couple plans to divide their time between New York, whereSteinem is a consulting editor to Ms. magazine, and Bales’ work andhome in Los Angeles, the release said.
As a seasoned expert in gender studies, feminism, and cultural dynamics, my in-depth knowledge allows me to dissect the nuances embedded in the article dated September 6, 2000, from ABC News. In this article, the renowned feminist icon Gloria Steinem, co-founder of Ms. magazine, breaks her own mold by marrying David Bale at the age of 66. Let's unravel the various concepts entwined in this piece.
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Feminism and Marriage: Gloria Steinem's marriage at the age of 66 is a noteworthy event given her historical stance on marriage as an institution that destroys relationships. This development underscores the evolving nature of individual choices within the broader context of feminist ideals. Steinem's personal choice challenges preconceived notions about the compatibility of feminism and marriage, emphasizing the freedom for women to make choices aligned with their own values.
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Voters for Choice and Political Activism: The article mentions that the release about Steinem's marriage was issued by Voters for Choice, a political action committee she helped create. This highlights the intersection of feminism and political activism. The organization is a platform through which Steinem channels her advocacy for women's reproductive rights and political engagement. This context showcases how influential figures use their personal choices to advance larger socio-political agendas.
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Ceremonial Symbolism and Gender-Neutral Language: The marriage ceremony, held at the Adair County home of Wilma Mankiller, the former chief of the Cherokee Nation, featured symbolic elements. The use of the term "partners" instead of "husband and wife" during the ceremony emphasizes a commitment to equality and challenges traditional gender roles. This aligns with Steinem's lifelong commitment to making marriages more equal, reflecting a broader societal shift toward inclusivity and gender neutrality.
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Celebrity Connections and Activism: David Bale, the groom, is identified as a South African-born entrepreneur and the father of actor Christian Bale. Bale's history as an anti-apartheid activist and long-time supporter of Voters for Choice underscores the intertwining of celebrity influence and political activism. This demonstrates how individuals with public visibility leverage their positions to champion social causes.
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Biographical Backgrounds: The article provides glimpses into the biographical backgrounds of both Steinem and Bale. Steinem, originally from Toledo, Ohio, is a prolific author with notable works like "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions" and "Revolution from Within." On the other hand, Bale, an anti-apartheid activist from an early age, spent most of his life in England before moving to Los Angeles in 1990. His diverse experiences, including working as a pilot and importing skateboards to England, add layers to the narrative.
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Geographical Dynamics in Marriage: The couple's plan to divide their time between New York and Los Angeles reflects the modern dynamics of marriages, where individuals navigate career commitments and personal interests. This geographical duality mirrors the evolving nature of relationships in a globalized world.
In conclusion, this article encapsulates a multifaceted narrative that intertwines personal choices, feminist ideologies, political activism, ceremonial symbolism, celebrity influence, and biographical backgrounds. Analyzing these concepts provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in the life choices of influential figures within the broader social and cultural context.
