Summary: A rare personal look into the life of a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court, her struggles against gender discrimination, antisemitism and severe illness (Evergreen version - Women's History Month version also available upon request).
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a strong, humble and quiet woman who clearly lives her mother's advice to "always be a lady and stay independent" every single day. She is capable, resourceful and intensely dedicated to her family, her work and her nation. Her personal integrity and optimism shine through the entire interview.
This wonderfully revealing conversation with Justice Ginsburg shows us a woman who is exceptionally intelligent, proud of her heritage and appreciative of her opportunity to help shape history as an American citizen.
We find her very down-to-earth on a personal level, yet terribly conscientious and professional in her approach to work. Her personal experiences with anti-Semitism, sexism, serious illness and the like have not discouraged her. They may have slowed her down at times, but she always finds creative ways around them.
Her calm confidence inspires us, while in her thoughtful, well-articulated manner she focuses our attention on our country's most important document. She describes the fundamental balance of responsibility the Constitution gives to the legislative and judicial branches as "conversation" between the two.
She discusses the Court's history; its relevance and significance in different eras, previous justices and their roles, and shares how she has approached some incredibly daunting personal obstacles in her life and career - all with even-handed pragmatism.
With an open mind and broad perspective she doesn't likely jump to conclusions about anything. Her poised yet determined temperament has seen her through some very trying situations.
It's a comfort to hear this exceptionally rational and decent woman who is intimately familiar with nasty issues like prejudice and cancer talk so candidly about her life and career. We see for ourselves that she uses her considerable talents and ability to think and reason, but never forgets her heart when she is making decisions on the Supreme Court. Exactly the kind of person you want as a justice!
An important interview.
[redacted]
Posted on November 10, 2005 at 05:53 PM
| Permalink
Thank you Larry Josephson for the opportunity to eavesdrop on this fascinating, thought-provoking exchange, and no duck hunting involved! Josephson’s respect and appreciation for Ginsburg’s strength, independence and intelligence fuel his thoughtful questions and she is generous with her responses. No arrogance here, just an amazing story – as Josephson points out, hers is the perfect paradigm of the American immigrant experience. Her calm recounting of dealing with sexism and anti-semitism provide powerful reminders of how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go to create true equality and respect for “the other” in this country. Ginsburg’s profound admiration of our founding fathers’ far-sightedness, and of the grandness of the Constitution make that precious document come intensely alive for the listener. And there’s a lovely moment where she’s asked to read the First Amendment. I won’t spoil by telling. Air this. Listen for that moment. Obvious pick for Women’s History month, but don’t ghettoize it there. Given that new Supremes are in the offing, this couldn’t be more timely. OK, after Christmas, but soon!
Comments for A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
This piece belongs to the series "ONLY IN AMERICA: 350 Years of the American Jewish Experience"
Produced by Larry Josephson, for The Radio Foundation, Inc.
Other pieces by RadioArt(r)
Rating Summary
4 comments
Jana Marshall
Posted on March 09, 2006 at 03:00 PM | Permalink
Review of A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a strong, humble and quiet woman who clearly lives her mother's advice to "always be a lady and stay independent" every single day. She is capable, resourceful and intensely dedicated to her family, her work and her nation. Her personal integrity and optimism shine through the entire interview.
This wonderfully revealing conversation with Justice Ginsburg shows us a woman who is exceptionally intelligent, proud of her heritage and appreciative of her opportunity to help shape history as an American citizen.
We find her very down-to-earth on a personal level, yet terribly conscientious and professional in her approach to work. Her personal experiences with anti-Semitism, sexism, serious illness and the like have not discouraged her. They may have slowed her down at times, but she always finds creative ways around them.
Her calm confidence inspires us, while in her thoughtful, well-articulated manner she focuses our attention on our country's most important document. She describes the fundamental balance of responsibility the Constitution gives to the legislative and judicial branches as "conversation" between the two.
She discusses the Court's history; its relevance and significance in different eras, previous justices and their roles, and shares how she has approached some incredibly daunting personal obstacles in her life and career - all with even-handed pragmatism.
With an open mind and broad perspective she doesn't likely jump to conclusions about anything. Her poised yet determined temperament has seen her through some very trying situations.
It's a comfort to hear this exceptionally rational and decent woman who is intimately familiar with nasty issues like prejudice and cancer talk so candidly about her life and career. We see for ourselves that she uses her considerable talents and ability to think and reason, but never forgets her heart when she is making decisions on the Supreme Court. Exactly the kind of person you want as a justice!
An important interview.
[redacted]
Posted on November 10, 2005 at 05:53 PM | Permalink
Review of A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Excellent interview! I look forward to more educational, engaging, professional programing from Public Radio Echange. Good-luck.
Lynn Perry
Posted on September 26, 2005 at 06:50 PM | Permalink
Review of A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
A wonderful interview. Covers many aspects of her life. Very inspiring and honest. Ms. Ginsburg overcame many obstacles and rose to the top.
Sydney Lewis
Posted on December 14, 2004 at 09:17 AM | Permalink
Review of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Profile - A Women's History Mont
Thank you Larry Josephson for the opportunity to eavesdrop on this fascinating, thought-provoking exchange, and no duck hunting involved! Josephson’s respect and appreciation for Ginsburg’s strength, independence and intelligence fuel his thoughtful questions and she is generous with her responses. No arrogance here, just an amazing story – as Josephson points out, hers is the perfect paradigm of the American immigrant experience. Her calm recounting of dealing with sexism and anti-semitism provide powerful reminders of how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go to create true equality and respect for “the other” in this country. Ginsburg’s profound admiration of our founding fathers’ far-sightedness, and of the grandness of the Constitution make that precious document come intensely alive for the listener. And there’s a lovely moment where she’s asked to read the First Amendment. I won’t spoil by telling. Air this. Listen for that moment. Obvious pick for Women’s History month, but don’t ghettoize it there. Given that new Supremes are in the offing, this couldn’t be more timely. OK, after Christmas, but soon!