"In her senior year she was elected class president. Perkins was a nonconformist who sometimes broke rules--such as 'lights out'--when she wanted to talk. This may have annoyed the school administration, but she was good-natured and popular with the girls, who called her 'Perk' or 'Perky'. A few students agreed with her father that she talked too much and labeled her the 'loquacious linguist.'"--A description of Perkins during her college years
I loved the above quote because it reminds me of me, "loquacious linguist" ;-)!
I don't think I've ever read a biography about a liberal Democrat. But, after reading The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression I wanted to learn more about the 1st woman to hold a cabinet position.
While I don't agree with Frances Perkins' "progressive" and socialistic ideals, I do have great admiration for her. First, she was the 1st woman to achieve a cabinet position. Second, she believed in social justice and helping the poor. Third, she juggled a career while having to deal with a bi-polar, alcoholic husband.
Perkins paved the way for other women to excel in politics, that alone is worthy of admiration.
Previous Reviews:
The Help
A Place of Yes!
John Adams
1776
My Grandfather's Son
Stephen Mansfield's Books
Stori Telling
1 comment:
I have been in the Dept. of Labor building named after her.
Speaking of liberal biographies, go see Hyde Park on Hudson if it is playing in your area. A good film.
Post a Comment