Andrea Dworkin

Date of Birth: September 26, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 9, 2005

Biography

Andrea Dworkin was an American radical feminist and writer, renowned for her outspoken critique of pornography and its role in perpetuating violence against women. Born in Camden, New Jersey, she developed an early interest in social justice issues. Dworkin attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she began her lifelong commitment to feminist activism. In the early 1970s, she moved to Amsterdam, where she became involved in the anti-war and feminist movements. Her experiences there, particularly witnessing the exploitation of women in the sex industry, significantly influenced her work. Dworkin’s most famous books include “Woman Hating” (1974), “Pornography: Men Possessing Women” (1981), and “Intercourse” (1987). Her collaboration with fellow feminist Catharine MacKinnon led to the development of anti-pornography ordinances that aimed to classify pornography as a violation of women’s civil rights. Throughout her career, Dworkin’s uncompromising stance on issues such as pornography, rape, and domestic violence made her a controversial figure, but also a pioneering voice in feminist theory. She continued to write and lecture until her death in 2005.

5 Interesting Facts about Andrea Dworkin

1. Andrea Dworkin was arrested during an anti-Vietnam War protest in 1965, which led to her being subjected to brutal treatment while in detention.

2. Her book “Pornography: Men Possessing Women” became a cornerstone of feminist anti-pornography activism and has been translated into multiple languages.

3. Dworkin’s work was often met with strong opposition, not just from conservative critics, but also from some liberal feminists who disagreed with her views on pornography and sexual freedom.

4. She collaborated with Catharine MacKinnon to draft anti-pornography civil rights ordinances, which were adopted in some U.S. cities but were later struck down by courts.

5. Despite her controversial views, Dworkin was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books, essays, and articles on feminism and social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andrea Dworkin

1. “I want to see a world in which women are no longer sexually available, denied equal rights, or treated as property.”

2. “Pornography is the very essence of anti-female propaganda.”

3. “Feminism is hated because women are hated. Anti-feminism is a direct expression of misogyny; it is the political defense of women hating.”

4. “Intercourse may be a physical act, but it is also a social and political phenomenon.”

5. “We are not supposed to be sexually autonomous, we are supposed to be sexually available.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Andrea Dworkin’s net worth is not well-documented, but her financial achievements were modest compared to her significant impact on feminist theory and activism.