Essay Questions

What obstacles Ginsburg had to overcome before getting a breakthrough in her life?

Ginsburg was born in New York, one of the affluent states, but she never enjoyed her childhood. Being of Jewish origin, Ginsburg faced discrimination while growing up because the city was predominantly white. The white people made fun of her, and they tried to discourage her from being a nobody. However, Ginsburg braced herself that success in life is not based on color, but on integrity, hard work, and determination. Similarly, Bader grew up when there was rampant gender violence, which influenced her future career choice. Since childhood, Ginsburg knew that she wanted to be a successful lawyer to fight for women's rights and other minority groups. Bader worked hard in her studies, and she joined women's movements at an early age to fight for their rights. For instance, she joined the Women's Rights Project (WRP), whose main aim was to liberate women. Later in life, Bader became a successful judge, and her career climaxed when she served in the American Supreme Court as a judge.

What is Ginsburg's main contribution to the contemporary world?

Ginsburg dedicated the whole of her life to fighting for the rights of women. Ginsburg's biography details how she participated in many forums to formulate laws that fought for equal treatment of women in America. Ginsburg contributed to the privileges that women are enjoying today, including equal treatment in employment, housing, health, and voting rights. Ginsburg was part of the women leaders who pushed for the amendment of the constitution to address women's issues. Consequently, Ginsburg is part of women's progress in the contemporary world.

What is the central theme in 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life'?

Racial prejudice emerges as the central theme. Ginsburg is a child born in New York, but she faces many obstacles while growing up because she is not white. The white community looks down upon the Jews because and other minority groups. Opportunities are first accorded to the locals, while other groups are left to scramble for limited survival chances. Despite all these challenges, Ginsburg concentrates on her studies to fight minority groups and women's rights. Ironically, Ginsburg's efforts benefit women of all races, including the predominant whites. The amendment of the US constitution accommodated women's rights, including the right to abortion, health insurance, and the right to contribute to decision-making and housing.