Let’s talk about privilege…not many of us can say our mom was Bryn Mawr sorority sisters with the most influential First Lady in the last hundred years.
It was that privilege that brought Gellhorn an invite to dine at the White House that turned into hectoring President Roosevelt to make changes faster; and then of course becoming a government writer, with a semi-permanent bunk in the White House during the Depression.
Privilege was a theme throughout her life:
A vacation in Key West (where she met the pivotal Hemingway), at a time when a trip of that sort was out of reach for most Americans.
Access to a heady world of writers, thinkers and world leaders through her early admirers and—eventually—husband (Hemingway).
The funds to—later in life—purchase multiple properties across the world, while bankrolling her favorite people, travels and causes.
How much has privilege enhanced your life? What special challenges does it bring?
Do you think Gellhorn’s privilege made it easier for her to succeed—or harder? Would her talent and drive been nurtured if her parents weren’t a well-to-do suffragette and respected doctor? What price did she pay for her privilege? How do you think her life would have turned out had she come from a different background?
What responsibility (if any) comes with privilege? Which of Gellhorn’s actions did you admire? Which saddened or maddened you? Discuss!
Cheers,
Rochelle
With great privilege comes great responsibility. The Golden Rule. I cannot think of a single major religion or equitable society that does not encourage us to turn around and extend a hand to others less fortunate, but it requires effort. We're certainly seeing what it looks like when you turn around and shove someone to the ground, it destroys trust and the social fabric.
I think Martha's talent and drive were not only encouraged by her parents, but also directed her to address wrongs, to not settle. If her parents had not encouraged her, I suspect she'd have been sentenced to a life of feeling like a round peg in a square hole. What a waste. We are not always our parents and we can intentionally reject their example, but I think that coming from a supportive environment (not perfect, but overall loving and accepting) strongly influenced her. She saw others who made it up or couldn't get past their own egos (ahem, mostly men) , but she kept driving herself. She was far from perfect to be sure. I agree with your earlier email that she probably was slightly ADHD, perhaps a bit tone deaf to polite norms, but that also made her unwilling to look away or back down. Rather like Eleanor Roosevelt. Rather like most strong women throughout history.