Dr. Ruth Westheimer: A Pioneer in Sexuality Counseling
Ruth Westheimer, affectionately known as 'Dr. Ruth,' passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking sexologist and media personality. Born Carola Ruth Siegel in Wiesenfeld, Germany, in 1928, she survived the Holocaust and later became a cultural icon in America for her open and humorous approach to discussing sexuality.
Early Life and Challenges
Westheimer's early life was marked by immense hardship. Her father was taken by the Nazis in 1938, prompting her mother to send her to Switzerland as part of the Kindertransport program. There, she lived with 300 other orphaned Jewish children. She later learned that her parents had perished in the Holocaust. Despite these challenges, she moved to Israel, where she joined the Haganah and served as a sniper during the War of Independence.
Rise to Fame
Westheimer moved to the United States in 1956, where she earned advanced degrees in psychology and education. Her media career began in 1980 with the radio show 'Sexually Speaking' on WYNY-FM. Her candid discussions about sex, including topics like AIDS and the importance of using condoms, broke taboos and gained her a massive following. Her show eventually transitioned to television, and she became a household name.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth authored 45 books, appeared in commercials, and even inspired a Broadway musical. Her unique blend of humor and sensitivity made her a beloved figure, and she was included in Vanity Fair's ranking of '12 women who changed the way we see sex.' Despite facing criticism, she promoted a healthy attitude towards sexuality and left an indelible mark on American culture. Her life was also the subject of the 2019 documentary 'Ask Dr. Ruth,' which further cemented her status as a cultural icon.
