This statement suggests that women who are successful in their personal or professional lives do not need to identify as feminists because they have achieved their goals through individual effort and accomplishment. Those who cannot succeed on their own might rely more heavily on feminist ideology to support their views and actions.
On a deeper level, this quote raises questions about the perception of success and the role of feminism in society. It implies that those who are less successful might feel the need to align with feminist movements as a way to address perceived inequalities or barriers they face. This perspective can be seen as dismissive towards the struggles faced by many women and overlooks the broader social issues that feminism aims to tackle, such as systemic gender discrimination and inequality. It also ignores the fact that individuals who are successful might still support and benefit from feminist principles.
The quote was made by Bobby Riggs, an American tennis player known for his unorthodox playing style and controversial stunts in the sport. He gained significant media attention through a series of matches against female players, most notably Billie Jean King in 1973, which highlighted gender equality issues in sports. Riggs's comments often reflected traditional views on gender roles but also contributed to discussions about women's rights and opportunities in professional sports.
