Jane Fonda on men, power and plastic surgery

Jane Fonda on men, power and plastic surgery
The voice—low, brisk, confident—is unmistakably Jane Fonda, but the words are surprising: “My life growing up was so twisted and distorted because of lack of self-esteem,” says the 69-year-old star. Now she’s helping put women in a position of strength with GreenStone Media, the first talk radio network run for and by women. Fonda founded it last September with Gloria Steinem, among others, and is also a regular guest. Writer Marianne Schnall talks to the indefatigable icon about how women can lose their body hang-ups and find their real power. Perfection is overrated, says Fonda.
Q: Why did you start a women's talk radio network?
A: Female listeners are leaving traditional talk radio because of the rough-edged, shouting nature of it. Women—to quote Gloria—want more light and less heat.
Q: What specifically will you give women listeners?
A: News about things that matter to them, such as balancing life. And laughter—that’s a biggie.
Q: You clearly feel compelled to take a stand on key issues. Were you always this way?
A: Oh God, are you kidding? I never would’ve imagined in the first part of my life that I could’ve stood up and said anything. The war in Vietnam changed me. I was so angry. Some of my speeches probably weren’t well considered.
Q: When did you start to feel comfortable speaking out?
A: There was a moment around 1973, in Kansas City, when I began to include my personal self in speeches. I said, “If I can change, anybody can change.” Of course, duh, I found that you’re more powerful when talking from your soul.
Q: Vagina Monologues author Eve Ensler says that girls and women spend so much energy obsessing about our bodies that we never take the time to discover our real purpose or gifts. Do you agree?
A: Totally. Absolutely. We grow up being told, “Be a good girl.” When you’re told to be good, you have to get rid of whatever is bad. I sure identify with that.
Q: What message would you like to instill in girls?
A: That good enough is good enough. We’re not supposed to be perfect. We’re supposed to be complete.
Q: How can women learn to embrace the aging process, rather than fear or fight it?
A: First, we need women friends, women who challenge us. I realized that I’m going to be 70 in a year, and I have chosen not to have any more plastic surgery. Sally Field and I have kind of made a pact about that. It’s really hard, especially if you’re a public person. But I want to give a face to aging.
Q: Well, you look fabulous and are stronger than ever.
A: You know, my identity depended on men for so long. You can be successful and still have the feeling that if you’re not with a man you don’t exist. It took me until I was 62 to get in touch with my true self. It’s only been a few years. Now I feel like I have epiphanies every other day.