Gloria Steinem’s essay “Wonder Woman” explains how the comic book character, Wonder Woman, impacted her life while she was growing up. During the 1900's, the world was a very sexist place. The comic book heroine Wonder Woman influenced Steinem into becoming a feminist and political activist in many ways. Wonder Woman influenced Steinem’s views on independence, equality, and the qualities of what a feminist/female role model are. The first way that Wonder Woman influenced Steinem was by instilling independence in her. Comic books were the first things Steinem was able to buy on her own. They were her first grownup act. Buying something without a grownup holding their hands would make any kid feel somewhat powerful and independent. With comic books; Steinem was able to teach herself to read since she wasn’t going to school regularly due to her parent’s constant traveling. Steinem kept on reading comics to gain knowledge. Comics back then were always starring a male superhero saving a helpless female. Reading Wonder Woman comics gave a sense of hope for the female community. Wonder Woman fought her own battles and never depended on a man for anything and she states, “I can never love a dominant man” (344). Wonder Woman was all about teaching women self respect and not being dependent on a man, so Steinem no longer felt that she needed a man for anything. Wonder Woman was just as strong as any of the male heroes. The fact that men were always viewed as the dominant one in the real world, having a female heroine who was independent meant times was changing. The second way that Wonder Woman has influenced Steinem was on her views of equality. Wonder Woman never showed favoritism when it came to rescuing. She rescued both men and women. Wonder Woman fought for the humanity of others; therefore she never hurt her enemies, “Instead, she converted them to a belief in equality and peace and respect for the rights of others” (