The 6 C's: Why We Must Embrace Controversy

Recently I spoke to the first "class" of Progressive Women's Voices, an exciting new program of the Women's Media Center, where I serve on the board. I was asked about the lessons I learned leading a social movement where I worked a great deal with the media and messages as vehicles of social change. Here are my comments:

Once, soon after we arrived in New York, my husband Alex and I were on the corner of 57th and 8th talking rather intensely with our realtor. A homeless man approached us and asked, "Will you give me the money for a lobster dinner?" We paid no attention and went on talking about our apartment options.

"Will you give me the money for a lobster dinner?" the man repeated a little louder. Again, we didn't respond. Again the man made his request. At this point, my Brooklyn born husband quipped back...read the rest