The Sophian: A conversation with Kathy Spillar on feminism and the patriarchy today
On Friday, Jan. 25, I went to Professor Carrie Baker’s office and introduced myself. There, I met Kathy Spillar, the executive editor of Ms., one of the country’s most prominent feminist magazines. I sat with Baker, the director of Smith’s program for the study of women and gender, and Spillar, who would later be giving a talk to the Smith community entitled “Rise Up! Resisting the Patriarchy in the Age of Trump.” I first asked Spillar how she defines the modern patriarchy and how the idea of patriarchy has shifted since Donald Trump has become president. “Well, there’s not much modern about the patriarchy,” Spillar replied with a laugh. She went on to describe how Trump is the modern embodiment of the patriarchy and how his values, or lack thereof, have allowed many other patriarchal figures to be open and accepted in today’s society. The Kavanaugh hearings were the perfect examples of public patriarchy. The male rage and resentment put on display by male Republicans, Trump’s defen