Women were not going to stay barefoot and in the kitchen, Friedan or no Friedan. She just anticipated the changing economics, and the advent of the pill, and gave it meaning. You can't go home to Kansas Dorothy. It isn't there anymore. The thought of strong independent, intellectual, and accomplished women, just drives some males nuts I guess. Not this one. Any other kind bore me.
You really shouldn't start your reply out with a way worn out cliche. Oh I forgot you are a lawyer, nevermind.
As for Ms. Freidan's passing, sympathies to her family.
I'd rather be pregnant and barefoot at home than down on my knees in the [Clinton] oval office.
Kate O'bierne
I disagree with about 90% of everything you post. This one bumps the percentage up higher.
My present wife is strong, independent, intellectual and has delighted me no end for nearly 35 years. But the woman I was married to in the 1960s who bore my 3 children bought Friedan's line of destructive anti-male bigotry all the way. It destroyed our marriage, her life, my children's lives and nearly cost me mine. Friedan and the male-hating Sisterhood have brought similar pain and desolation to countless thousands of marriages over the years.
Now, in middle age, my daughters realize all they ever really wanted out of life were good marriages, children and the kind of settled situations they're now finding -- after years of brainwashing to pursue "careers," abortions and the disillusionment of trying to 'have it all'. Friedan was cynical and political and I do not mourn her passing in the least. Good riddance!
Changes in technology in and of themselves, would have lead more women into the workplace, without women like Betty Friedan AND society could have been spared all the bitterness and confusion.