Bitchin' Broads - Malvina Reynolds

Born in 1900, she was another woman who did admirable, gutsy things before it was common - or fashionable - for women to do them. Born into a unconventional family for the times (and even for these times) her parents were Jewish immigrants, Socialists and staunch opponents of World War I. Those facts alone make her more interesting a person from the day she was born than I will ever be...

She took a life that could have easily been considered "underprivileged" because of those "givens," (in fact, her high school refused to give her a diploma due to her parent's political opinions) and made it extraordinary. Undaunted by the small-mindedness of her community and times, she continued her education, receiving her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Reflect for a moment on these facts...Malvina went on to earn her Doctorate in 1938 at the age of 38...that's a woman, prior to WWII who returned to college "late in life" and received a Doctoral degree! Astounding, even for today! Her degree is in Romance Philology, which - contrary to my initial thinking - is not the study of an intimate relationship with Phil...

Malvina and her husband were politically active and she began writing and performing folk songs, which reflected their passion for the issues of the day. She didn't begin writing songs until her late thirties, and really not in earnest until she was in her fifties. During the course of her prolific songwriting and performing career she became acquainted with the likes of Pete Seeger and had her songs recorded by him and Joan Baez, among others. I became familiar with her song Turn Around (a real tear-jerker!) from a CD I have in my daycare collection. Apparently Harry Belafante popularized it originally.

In my search for information about this amazing, dynamic woman I have discovered a blog written by Malvina's daughter Nancy, recording her journey toward writing her mother's biography. It appears Nancy is following in her mother's footsteps as a songwriter and performer. I have gained an even deeper understanding of and appreciation for Malvina through reading her daughter's charming and insightful anecdotes.

I am enormously inspired by this extraordinary woman! Her story has reinforced for me that obstacles are only obstacles if you let them deter you from following your aspirations. Conforming to prescribed gender expectations or to the status quo prevents you from becoming fully yourself. I have seen that it is cool to be smart (and show it) and to have opinions (and express them). She has shown me that it's never too late to discover and/or pursue your passion.

I can finally answer the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Answer: As interesting, passionate and brave as Malvina Reynolds! She was one Bitchin' Broad!

Thank you, Malvina, for the inspiration...I know the rest is up to me!