Series: ONLY IN AMERICA: 350 Years of the American Jewish Experience
From: The Radio Foundation, Inc.
Length: 00:59:22
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.
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Review of A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgExcellent interview! I look forward to more educational, engaging, professional programing from Public Radio Echange. Good-luck. |
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Review of A Conversation with Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgA wonderful interview. Covers many aspects of her life. Very inspiring and honest. Ms. Ginsburg overcame many obstacles and rose to the top. |
Aired on
WEPS Chicago
KALW San Fransisco
WHRV Norfolk/Virginia Bch
WXEL West Palm Beach/ Boca
WUFT Gainesville/ ocala
WVIK Quad Cities (IA, IL)
KCBX San Luis Obispo
KWMR Point Reyes Station
KYMS Murray/Paris KY
WYSO Yellow Springs
NEWS-FRIENDLY VERSION OPEN:
Running
Track Time
Tone (42 sec)
Billboard 00:00
News Cutaway (5 minutes silence) 1:00
REGULAR VERSION:
Running
Track Time
Tone (42 sec)
Program - Part 1 0:00
Incue. ?This is Only In America...?
Outcue: ?We?ll be back in a minute...?
Cutaway
60 sec Music Fill 30:47
(Bach 2 sec of silence
at each side of music)
Program - Part 2 31:47
Incue: ?Welcome back...?
End of Program 52:59
Outcue: ?...the WFMT Radio Network.?
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.