WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT AFTER ALL

Mary Tyler Moore, an emblematic figure in American television history, stands as a groundbreaking icon for feminist ideals and single women's empowerment. Her portrayal of Mary Richards in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" revolutionized the depiction of women on television, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of independent, career-oriented women.

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" premiered in 1970 and ran for seven seasons until 1977. Over the course of its 168 episodes, the show consistently pushed boundaries and addressed controversial issues, leaving an indelible mark on television and popular culture.

“Characters like newsroom powerhouse Murphy Brown and fashion phenom Carrie Bradshaw owe a debt to Mary Richards for breaking the mold and proving that audiences were ready to embrace complex, multifaceted female protagonists.” -
Lauren Napier

The character of Mary Richards was a trailblazer in the early 1970s, a time when television predominantly showcased women in traditional roles as homemakers or secondary characters. Mary Richards, however, was different. She was a single, career-driven woman in her thirties, navigating life in the bustling city of Minneapolis. The show's premise alone broke significant ground by presenting a female protagonist whose life did not revolve around marriage and family but around her career and personal growth.

Mary Richards worked as an associate producer at the fictional WJM-TV, a local news station. Her professional role was central to her character, highlighting her competence, ambition, and dedication. Unlike the often subservient female characters of the time, Mary was assertive and confident, demanding equal pay and respect in a male-dominated workplace. This portrayal was a direct challenge to the gender pay gap and workplace discrimination that many women faced during that era. Mary's insistence on equal treatment resonated deeply with viewers, inspiring many women to advocate for their rights in their professional lives.

Mary Richards' wardrobe, created by Leslie Hall (who also designed costumes for "Bewitched"), further emphasized her modern, independent persona. Hall secured an exclusive contract with the Evan Picone brand to provide Mary's clothing, which often included pant suits, mix-and-match separates, turtlenecks, and shirt dresses. One specific controversy that gained significant attention was "The Green Dress" incident. In one episode, Mary Richards wore a dress with a plunging neckline, which drew criticism for being too provocative for television. This dress became a symbol of the show's progressive approach to depicting women's fashion and sexuality. Despite the backlash, the incident highlighted the show's commitment to presenting Mary as a modern, confident woman who embraced her femininity without apology. The beret toss in the opening credits of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" wasn’t just a style flourish; it was a call to action for a generation who looked to Mary Richards as a role model. The theme song declared, "She could turn the world on with her smile," capturing Mary's ability to navigate a newsroom full of sharks with grace and determination.

This was the first time birth control was mentioned on television.

The cultural impact of Mary Tyler Moore and her character extended far beyond the television screen. The show addressed various social issues such as women's liberation, premarital sex, and birth control, often with a blend of humor and poignancy that made these topics accessible to a broad audience. One of the most controversial moments occurred in the first season when Mary's character discussed the pill, a topic that was highly sensitive during that time. This bold move by the show's creators signaled a willingness to engage with real issues that affected women, further solidifying the show's revolutionary status. In the episode "You've Got a Friend," Mary’s mother yelled to her father, "Don't forget to take your pill," to which Mary responded, "I won't!" This was the first time birth control was mentioned on television.

Another notable and controversial episode dealt with the topic of homosexuality, which was rarely discussed on television in the 1970s. The episode "My Brother's Keeper" featured a storyline where Phyllis' brother comes out as gay, handled with sensitivity and respect, challenging the prevalent stereotypes and prejudices of the time.

Mary Tyler Moore's influence on popular culture and feminist ideals is profound. She inspired other television characters and public figures who followed in her footsteps. My first memory of Mary Tyler Moore was an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. It was 1997 and Oprah was being surprised by her show. When they announced Mary Tyler Moore, Oprah melted into her self proclaimed and infamous “ugly cry.” At that moment , I knew Mary Tyler Moore was a force, an icon and a legend. Much respect should be given.

“…a force, an icon and a legend. Much respect should be given.” - Lauren Napier

Oprah for example, has cited Mary Tyler Moore as a significant influence on her career and personal philosophy. Winfrey admired Mary's strength, independence, and the way she balanced her career with her personal life, embodying the ideals of female empowerment and self-determination. “I think Mary Tyler Moore has had more influence on my career than any other single person or force,” Winfrey said in a 2015 retrospective that PBS did on Moore’s career.

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" also set a precedent for future television shows featuring strong, independent women. Characters like newsroom powerhouse Murphy Brown and fashion phenom Carrie Bradshaw owe a debt to Mary Richards for breaking the mold and proving that audiences were ready to embrace complex, multifaceted female protagonists.

In a PBS tribute, her co-star Cloris Leachman said, "When she came on, it changed America. So many women have told me it changed their lives. It made it possible for them to work themselves." Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, author of "Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted: And All the Brilliant Minds Who Made The Mary Tyler Moore Show a Classic," stated, "She went in there and made feminism OK. But she had to be the good girl first.”

Mary Tyler Moore's portrayal of Mary Richards on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was a groundbreaking moment in television history. As a feminist and single woman's icon, Mary Richards challenged the culture, advocating for women's rights and independence both in and out of the workplace. Her character inspired countless women to pursue their careers, demand equal treatment, and live fulfilling lives on their own terms. The legacy of Mary Tyler Moore and her iconic character is the foundation of modern women’s television reminding us of the power of representation and the importance of challenging oneself and defying the patriarchy.