The World and Everything In It

9.4.26 Gloria Steinem’s legacy, All the President’s Men, and whimsical inventions in everyday English

The World and Everything In It

Summary

Gloria Steinem, a pivotal figure in the feminist movement, has passed away at the age of 92. Known for her role in shaping second-wave feminism, Steinem's activism included advocating for women's rights and access to abortion, which she argued was essential for women's liberation. Her legacy is complex, as her views diverged from those of early feminists who emphasized the inherent dignity of all human life, including the unborn. John Stone Street reflects on Steinem's impact, noting that her approach shifted the feminist narrative from one of equality based on human dignity to one centered on autonomy.

In political news, the Trump administration seeks Supreme Court intervention to enforce new restrictions on mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections, a move opposed by various voter advocacy groups. Meanwhile, the Missouri Supreme Court has blocked new congressional district maps backed by Trump, while Maryland's Supreme Court has approved a redistricting amendment for the November ballot. These developments highlight ongoing tensions in electoral politics as states navigate voting regulations.

The discussion also touches on America's declining fertility rate, which is attributed to cultural attitudes toward family and child-rearing rather than solely financial constraints. Proposals for financial incentives to encourage childbirth are met with skepticism regarding their effectiveness in addressing deeper cultural issues. Additionally, the evolving nature of wedding culture is examined, particularly the trend of social media sponsorships, which raises questions about the commercialization of personal milestones and the essence of marriage itself.

Show Notes

This week on Culture Friday, John Stonestreet moves from Gloria Steinem’s legacy and the baby bust to commercialized weddings. Also: half a century later, All the President’s Men keeps analog reporting gritty, George Grant unpacks the unexpected evolution of everyday English—on Wordplay, and the Friday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Boyce College—which offers a Christ-centered education built on the truth of God’s Word. Every student—no matter their major—takes 30 hours of Bible and theology, learning how to think biblically, live faithfully, and lead with conviction. Formed from the 160-year legacy of Southern Seminary, Boyce College prepares students for maximum faithfulness in the world, the workplace, the church, and the family. Learn more at boycecollege.com From World Watch. A 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today’s news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at https://get.worldwatch.news/free-episode And from Cedarville University— a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.

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