Germaine Greer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Germaine Greer, often referred to simply as Greer, is a name synonymous with feminist thought and cultural critique. Born Germaine Greer, she has not commonly used aliases, but her name itself has become emblematic of a particular brand of outspoken and provocative feminism.
Birth and Death Dates
Germaine Greer was born on January 29, 1939. As of the latest available information, she is still alive and continues to contribute to public discourse.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Germaine Greer is an Australian by nationality. Her professional life is as diverse as it is influential, encompassing roles as a writer, academic, journalist, and scholar. She is best known for her work as a feminist theorist and cultural critic.
Early Life and Background
Germaine Greer was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in a suburb called Elwood. Her early life was marked by a strong academic inclination, which led her to the University of Melbourne, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French language and literature. Her pursuit of knowledge took her to the University of Sydney, where she completed a Master of Arts in romantic poetry. Greer's academic journey did not stop there; she moved to the United Kingdom to attend the University of Cambridge, earning a Ph.D. in 1968. Her dissertation focused on Shakespeare, a subject that would later inform much of her scholarly work.
Major Accomplishments
Germaine Greer's major accomplishments are deeply rooted in her contributions to feminist literature and thought. Her most significant achievement came with the publication of "The Female Eunuch" in 1970. This groundbreaking book challenged the traditional roles of women in society and became a cornerstone of second-wave feminism. It was revolutionary in its candid discussion of female sexuality and its critique of the patriarchal structures that oppressed women. The book's success catapulted Greer into the international spotlight, establishing her as a leading voice in feminist discourse.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond "The Female Eunuch," Greer has authored several other influential works, including "The Whole Woman" (1999), which revisits and expands upon the themes of her earlier work, and "The Change: Women, Aging and the Menopause" (1991), which addresses the often-taboo subject of menopause. Her writing is characterized by its incisive wit and fearless critique of societal norms. Greer has also been a prominent figure in academia, holding positions at the University of Warwick and the University of Tulsa, among others. Her public appearances and debates have further solidified her reputation as a formidable thinker and speaker.
Impact and Legacy
Germaine Greer's impact on feminist thought and cultural criticism is profound. Her work has inspired generations of women to question societal norms and advocate for gender equality. Greer's legacy is not without controversy; her outspoken nature and willingness to challenge even feminist orthodoxy have sometimes placed her at odds with other feminists. Nonetheless, her contributions to the discourse on gender and society are undeniable. She has been a trailblazer in bringing issues of female sexuality, identity, and empowerment to the forefront of public consciousness.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Germaine Greer is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion. Her quotes often encapsulate the essence of feminist thought, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about gender and power. Greer's fearless approach to controversial topics and her willingness to speak truth to power have made her a source of inspiration and debate. Her work continues to resonate because it addresses fundamental questions about identity, autonomy, and the structures that shape our lives. In a world where the fight for gender equality is ongoing, Greer's words remain as relevant and provocative as ever.
Quotes by Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer's insights on:
Most people die in improvised circumstances of harassment and confusion, whether in a hospital or out of it.
Libraries are reservoirs of strength, grace, and wit, reminders of order, calm and continuity, lakes of mental energy, neither warm nor cold, light nor dark.
Security is when everything is settled when nothing can happen to you; security is the denial of life.
The principle of the brotherhood of man is narcissistic for the grounds for that love have always been the assumption that we ought to realize that we are the same the whole world over.
Too many women are forced to abort by poverty, by their menfolk, by their parents. A choice is only possible if there are genuine alternatives.
Lies are vile things, with a horrible life of their own. They contaminate the truth that surrounds them.
The few men who do a hand’s turn around the house expect gratitude and recognition, so sure are they that, though it is their dirt, it is not their job.
Thirty years on, femininity is still compulsory for women – and has become an option for men – while genuine femaleness remains grotesque to the point of obscenity. Meanwhile, the price of the small advances we have made towards sexual equality has been the denial of femaleness as any kind of a distinguishing character.
In ‘The Female Eunuch’ I argued that motherhood should not be treated as a substitute career; now I would argue that motherhood should be regarded as a genuine career option, that is to say, as paid work and, as such, as an alternative to other paid work. What this would mean is that every woman who decides to have a child would be paid enough to raise that child in decent circumstances.
I didn’t fight to get women out from behind vacuum cleaners to get them onto the board of Hoover.