W Magazine Revisit Ms. Magazine’s Most Iconic Covers By Stephanie Eckardt May 20, 2020
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that Ms. magazine’s first blaring statement—“We Have Had Abortions,” signed by 53 women—appeared inside its pages; it’s exactly the type of provocation that the title has emblazoned across the covers of every issue since. Then again, the year was 1972. Women needed a man’s signature to get a credit card. The phrase “sexual harassment” didn’t exist. And for the rare woman who did manage to make it professionally, it was perfectly ordinary for her male superior to simply credit her “great legs.” The latter scenario could happen to even the most accomplished—even, as the FX series Mrs. America reminds us, to Gloria Steinem. These days, some see Steinem as a chic picture of confidence. To others, she’s gone beyond her former status of controversial and is even regarded as problematic. Mrs. America illustrates that behind the scenes, it was never even close to as easy as Steinem made it seem. Of course, that only makes the Ms. team’s accomplishments even more impressive—especially those of its early art directors, Rochelle Udell and Bea Feitler. Ahead of the show’s eighth episode, revisit Ms. at its best on newsstands. (And don’t forget to keep out an eye for the cover lines.)
Courtesy of Ms. magazine1/23
Ms. magazine, June 1972: “Secret Files Exposed on Page 37.”
Courtesy of Ms. magazine2/23
Ms. magazine, December 1972: Luke 2:14, amended.
Courtesy of Ms. magazine3/23
Ms. magazine, January 1973: “Chisholm/Farenthold: The Ticket That Might Have Been.”