Women’s History Month:  Mary Tyler Moore Changed Everything

As Women’s History Month continues, the media is perpetually calling attention to the accomplishments of women in all areas of life, while women themselves continue conversations about #MeToo, #TimesUp and the gender inequality that remains in place today.  For purposes of this series, I am going to confine my thoughts about the history of women to those who worked in television and advanced their fellow females on-screen, behind the scenes, or both -- at a time when women weren’t exactly welcome to do so.  The women who come immediately to mind are the major female television stars of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s whose work changed the game in one way or another.  I am struck by the fact that they accomplished so much -- often through the careful creation and protection of iconic television characters who motivated and inspired millions of women to reach for more in life -- while never failing to entertain.  I am also struck -- stunned in fact -- that they do not often come up in present-day conversation about limitations placed on women.  How did they accomplish what they did, when they did?  Their stories are legendary.