In this article, Type Media Center fellow Rebecca Solnit reflects on the complicated nature of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s political career, after her death. Solnit details the strides the senator made for human rights, while also shedding light on ways in which Feinstein was perceived as falling short. In this comprehensive piece, Solnit executes Type Media Center’s commitment to sparking national and global conversation, and diversifying the field of journalism.
Highlights
- Feinstein’s Complex Legacy: In her article, Solnit acknowledges that Senator Dianne Feinstein was a figure full of contradictions, “sometimes brave and ahead of her time, sometimes mired in the status quo”. In the emphasis that the senator’s legacy should be colored by her entire career, both positive and negative, Solnit exemplifies Type’s goal of diversifying the discourse in journalism.
- Feinstein’s Response to Critical Issues: Solnit delves into the senator’s involvement in significant issues that often were stigmatized. Touching on Feinstein’s leadership in AIDS advocacy, exposure of abuses from the CIA and NSA, and championing of women’s rights, Solnit reflects Type’s mission of addressing injustice and inequality.
- Impact Analysis: The article highlights Feinstein’s career milestones, and their broader impact on, and reflection of, the political state of the country. Solnit notes the significance of Feintstein being one of California’s first two women senators, the first woman to chair the Senate rules committee, and the first woman to preside over a presidential inauguration. This contextual broadening of the influence of the senator’s achievements aligns with Type’s goal of sparking national and global conversations.
- National Implications: Solnit discusses Feinstein’s contradictions and shifts in her political positions over the years, noting that she “began her political career being ahead of her society and ended it by being behind it”. This reflection of the changing political landscape throughout her career resonates with Type’s objective to inform social movements and catalyze change.
Type Media Center’s Note
This article by our fellow Rebecca Solnit reflects Type Media Center’s dedication to nurturing independent journalism that not only informs but strives for societal change. Through her thorough coverage of the complex career held by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Solnit contributes to our broader mission of producing high-impact journalism that sparks national and global conversations.