A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Part of Series ONLY IN AMERICA: 350 Years of the American Jewish Experience
Length 59:00
Licensor The Radio Foundation, Inc.
Producer(s) Larry Josephson, for The Radio Foundation, Inc.
Formats Interview, Special
Topics Family, Public Affairs, Women
Produced November 11, 2004
Added to PRX December 8, 2004
 

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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).

Website:

http://www.onlyinamerica.info

Additional Credits and Funding:

Larry Josephson, Host/Executive Producer
Sara Porath, Senior Producer
Edited by Sarah Elzas and Robert Auld
Mixed by Robert Auld and Bill Siegmund

Timely on:

March: Women's History Month (or anytime)

Tones:

Engaging, Inspiring, Personal

Language:

English

Description:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life is a paradigm of the American immigrant experience. In one generation, she rose from the daughter of Jewish immigrants to a seat on the Supreme Court. Born in 1933, she credits much of her early success to the influence of her mother, who gave her two pieces of advice: Always be a lady, and be independent.

Justice Ginsburg tells Larry Josephson the surprising story that when she graduated at the top of her class from Columbia Law School in 1959 no one would hire her because, as she says, she was a "woman, Jewish and mother." She also recounts her experience with anti-Semitism: as a child she saw a sign on a boarding house that advised, "no dogs or Jews allowed."

This conversation offers a rare personal look into the life of a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court: her struggles against gender discrimination, anti-Semitism and severe illness (her mother died of cancer, both she and her husband survived it). Justice Ginsburg, one of the Court's centrist liberals, explains her philosophy of judicial restraint.

A fascinating look at a role model for women and minorities, as well as an American success story of upward mobility. Highly topical given the two recent vacancies on the Court. Justice Ginsburg is possibly a swing vote on the new Court.

The special is taken from the forthcoming series, "Only in America: A Celebration of the American Jewish Experience," a year-long project to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the landing of the first Jews in New Amsterdam in September, 1654. A number of specials will be distributed throughout the year, and a six-part series will be distributed in the fall.

The program is available in two versions: Evergreen (currently on the server) and A Women's History Month Special (with alternate introduction, available upon request). Both are news-friendly and contain a one-minute cutaway at midpoint. Stations that do not with to run the news can start the program at 6:00.