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Aug

25

One of Women’s Rights’ greatest icons: Forgiveness is huge, resentment is a dead end


As the debate over the role and efforts of Hillary Rodham Clinton continue, Vanity Fair has a fantastic Q&A in the September issue between George Wayne and Billie Jean King whose words about action powered by resentment echo not only my thoughts but those of other individuals who voted for Clinton in the primaries:

Your dad was a fireman. Mum was the homemaker. You have just written your eighth book, Pressure Is a Privilege. The second book discussed your love affair with your hairdresser Marilyn Barnett. Why?
Well, my agent wouldn’t let up. So finally I decided to write about it so he would stop bugging me. I didn’t want to do it. I was in a horrible place and I felt like I needed my privacy. But the times were very different back then, too. That was the worst part of the struggle to get to who I am. It took a long time … oh my God, you are left-handed! Ilana is left-handed, too. Martina Navratilova is left-handed. Owen Davidson, my mixed-doubles partner, is left-handed. I will tell you, left-handers have been important influences in my life. You are so cute. I tell you, I have been looking forward to this day. Everyone told me how lovely you are, but you are even better than I expected. Do you know Lois Smith? She is my Mother Earth. She told me you are gonna love this guy. She is wonderful; she was the first P.R. agent for Robert Redford, and a brilliant woman.

Did you ever forgive Marilyn Barnett for outing you?
Forgiveness is huge, absolutely. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful things a person can do for themselves and anyone. It doesn’t do a thing to hold resentment.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 3:11 pm August 25th, 2008 in Politics, Sexism, Social Issues, WH2008, Women 

Comments

One Response to “One of Women’s Rights’ greatest icons: Forgiveness is huge, resentment is a dead end”

  1. 1 Cynthia Samuels on August 25th, 2008 7:08 pm

    What a great piece! Thanks so much for finding it – it would be very valuable in Denver, wouldn’t it?

    Forgiveness is a big part of 12 step programs because it brings such peace when sought and when offered. Very wise words from our Billie Jean — I’m so glad you put it here.

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