Makers

Last night I watched the three hour PBS documentary Makers chronically the women's movement of the 60s-80s. This inspiring film focused on key women in the movement, such as Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem (and many others), who pushed the feminist agenda forward, as well as women impacted and inspired by the significant cultural changes the movement brought, such as Judy Blume and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

It included wonderful footage of demonstrations and consciousness raising groups, as well as mainstream television's response. It explored a number of nuances, such as the alienation of African American women and lesbians, and the middle class bent of the movement. It featured segments on key feminist issues including general equality for women, sexual harassment, sexual freedom, abortion, and birth control. It looked briefly at the backlash in the 80s and 90s, including the reaction to Anita Hill.

My criticism is that it could have further explored the backlash, and that it didn't turn to the exciting third wave movement of the 90s. It also didn't look at the recent attacks on Planned Parenthood, and women's rights.

Overall Makers is a fascinating and exciting documentary that made me feel proud of all the brave, strong, independent and talented women in our culture.