Behind the Bastards Part Two: Phyllis Schlafly: The Mother of all Culture Wars
Aug 27, 2020
Teresa Lee, a comedian and host of 'You Can Tell Me Anything,' joins to discuss the polarizing figure of Phyllis Schlafly. They delve into Schlafly's anti-abortion leadership during the 1964 primaries and her complex identity as a mother and political strategist. The conversation weaves through Schlafly's impact on the Equal Rights Amendment and her manipulation of cultural fears to unite conservative women. They also reflect on Schlafly's legacy in shaping modern GOP ideologies and the ongoing cultural tensions surrounding gender and equality.
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Schlafly’s GOP Conspiracy Theory
- Phyllis Schlafly's book "A Choice, Not an Echo" framed a conspiracy theory about GOP elites undermining Barry Goldwater.
- It was massively successful as a propaganda tool, shaping the Republican Party's direction from 1964 onwards.
Hidden Scale of Schlafly's Book
- Schlafly falsely claimed to self-publish her book, but the John Birch Society bought millions of copies.
- This was an early example of right-wing propaganda networks shaping political narratives.
Building Anti-ERA Coalition
- Schlafly organized conservative women into activism to stop the Equal Rights Amendment through STOP ERA and the Eagle Forum.
- She framed her political career as a hobby to align with conservative gender roles while fully engaging in activism.
