Bella Abzug Quotes

Powerful Bella Abzug for Daily Growth

About Bella Abzug

Bella Abzug (February 23, 1920 – March 31, 1998), a trailblazing American attorney, politician, and women's rights activist, was an influential figure in the 20th century. Born in the Bronx, New York City, Abzug grew up with strong Zionist leanings due to her parents' Jewish heritage and deep-rooted beliefs in social justice. After earning a law degree from Columbia University Law School, Abzug embarked on a legal career, but her passion for activism quickly took precedence. In the 1960s, she emerged as a prominent voice in the American Civil Rights Movement and became one of the "New York Three" female delegates to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, advocating for peace during the Vietnam War. In 1971, Abzug was elected as the U.S. Representative from New York's 19th congressional district and became a powerful force in Congress, championing feminist, civil rights, and environmental causes. Known for her fiery oratory style, she coined the phrase "This woman is angry—and you should be too!" Notable works of Bella Abzug include co-authoring the Equal Rights Amendment, advocating for women's reproductive rights, supporting nuclear disarmament, and pushing for the creation of the National Women's Political Caucus. Her legacy lives on as a champion of change, encouraging future generations to fight for equality and social justice with unyielding passion. Abzug passed away in 1998 at the age of 78.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"This woman's place is in the House - the House of Representatives."

This quote by Bella Abzug is a call to action, encouraging women to participate in politics and specifically to run for positions in the United States House of Representatives. It reflects Abzug's belief in gender equality and her desire to see more women represented in government, making decisions that affect all citizens equally. This quote emphasizes the importance of increasing diversity in political leadership and empowering women to contribute their perspectives and experiences in the political sphere.

"We must seize the opportunity, the challenge posed by the energy crisis, to make this nation independent of any dictator in the Middle East, to end our dependence on foreign oil, to create our own energy future!"

Bella Abzug's quote emphasizes the potential for a national opportunity during an energy crisis to transform America's energy dependence from foreign sources, particularly those controlled by Middle Eastern dictators. Her vision is for the U.S. to create its own sustainable energy future, moving away from reliance on imported oil. This shift in perspective suggests proactive action and a desire for self-reliance and energy independence, promoting security and autonomy in the country's energy policies.

"They will say, 'She got up and spoke.' Well, if it were open to women to get up and speak, we'd have a different world."

This quote emphasizes the importance of women's voices in shaping society and decision-making processes. Bella Abzug suggests that if women had the same opportunities as men to express their ideas, perspectives, and opinions publicly, the world would be different in a more equitable manner. The quote is a call for amplifying women's voices, advocating for gender equality, and empowering them to contribute significantly to society.

"I am not a self-hater; I am a reality-lover."

This quote emphasizes that Bella Abzug did not have self-hatred, but rather accepted herself as she was, truthfully and fully. She loved reality for what it was - unbiased, raw, and authentic - and chose to acknowledge and embrace her own identity without any pretense or denial. This stance underscores a strong sense of self-awareness and acceptance, and encourages others to do the same, as understanding oneself is crucial to personal growth and empowerment.

"Women of the world unite! All are needed in the struggle for justice."

This quote emphasizes the importance of women's collective action in pursuit of justice, reflecting the belief that all women have a crucial role to play in this global effort. It underscores the solidarity among women across different cultures, races, and backgrounds, and encourages them to come together to fight for equal rights, fair treatment, and social justice. In essence, it is a call to action, inspiring women to leverage their unique strengths and perspectives in the ongoing battle for equality and justice worldwide.

We are affirming human rights for all women and girls, acknowledging the full range of diversity that exists, and detailing actions to prevent violence.

- Bella Abzug

Prevent, Range, All Women, Women And Girls

I spend all day figuring out how to beat the machine and knock the crap out of the political power structure.

- Bella Abzug

Political, Knock, Figuring, Power Structure

I prefer the word 'homemaker' because 'housewife' always implies that there may be a wife someplace else.

- Bella Abzug

Always, May, Prefer, Housewife

Our struggle was political, ideological and economic, and we felt we couldn't make something of ourselves unless we bettered society. We saw the two together.

- Bella Abzug

Ideological, Felt, Saw, Struggle

Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as an assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel.

- Bella Abzug

Woman, Assistant, Quickly, Struggle

When I first became a lawyer, only 2% of the bar was women. People would always think I was a secretary. In those days, professional women in the business world wore hats. So I started wearing hats.

- Bella Abzug

Professional, Hats, Became, Business World

I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee.

- Bella Abzug

Young, Before, Began, Establish

The establishment is made up of little men, very frightened.

- Bella Abzug

Made, Very, Little Men, Frightened

We are bringing women into politics to change the nature of politics, to change the vision, to change the institutions. Women are not wedded to the policies of the past. We didn't craft them. They didn't let us.

- Bella Abzug

Nature, Politics, Past, Women Are

Imperfect though it may be, the Beijing Platform for Action is the strongest statement of consensus on women's equality, empowerment and justice ever produced by governments.

- Bella Abzug

May, Though, Governments, Produced

A woman's place is in the house - the House of Representatives.

- Bella Abzug

Woman, Place, Representatives

As women, we know that we must always find ways to change the process because the present institutions want to hold on to power and keep the status quo.

- Bella Abzug

Change, Process, Always, Status Quo

I am not a centrist.

- Bella Abzug

I Am, Am, Centrist

Working women wore hats. It was the only way they would take you seriously.

- Bella Abzug

Hats, Take, Would, Wore

All of the men on my staff can type.

- Bella Abzug

Men, Type, Staff

We are coming down from our pedestal and up from the laundry room.

- Bella Abzug

Equality, Pedestal, Up, Laundry

The test for whether or not you can hold a job should not be the arrangement of your chromosomes.

- Bella Abzug

Equality, Test, Whether, Arrangement

I'm a politician. I run for office. That's my profession.

- Bella Abzug

Office, Run, Profession, Politician

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