She had a thick Texas accent, she could do great impersonations and she kept her audience laughing all night long.

Molly Ivins, a columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, spoke late last week in the Memorial Union. The crowd found her speech, “We’ve Come a Long Way Sister, Now Let’s Talk About How Far We’ve Got to Go,” entertaining.

Ivins spoke about feminism in the 1990s and the role of women in politics.

The speech, part of a week-long celebration for the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, dealt with Ivins’ experiences as a feminist and as a political reporter and columnist.

She began by explaining the changes the feminist movement has experienced. Ivins said during the 1960s, feminists were thought of as promiscuous and “free with their love.” Now, all feminists are thought of as lesbians, Ivins said.

Ivins said the main goal of all feminists has been, “that none of you should ever have to experience discrimination as a woman. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

With the increased involvement in feminism, Ivins said there has also been an increased amount of backlash directed toward the women’s movement.

Ivins said she believes a lot of the backlash comes from right-to-life people and anti-abortion movements. She said it is sad that women have to fight for the right not to have a child.

“If you think abortion is wrong, don’t have one,” Ivins said.

Another growing area of backlash, Ivins said, comes from a common phenomena known as displaced anger. With more and more college-educated women getting executive level jobs, many white men who don’t have college educations feel they are not being treated fairly. This unhappiness leads to verbal attacks on the women’s movement through prejudice and ridicule.

Ivins said she has been attacked over the radio by Rush Limbaugh. She said she believes people like Limbaugh appeal to American’s worst sides by using satire to make fun of powerless people.

“When I listen to the radio and hear all of these little ‘Limbaughlings’ making fun of people who are handicapped, homeless or completely innocent, I think it is not only a question of decency, but I think it is just plain cruel,” Ivins said.

Ivins suggested that if women feel they are being mistreated or harassed because of their sex, they should take a stand. She said the easiest and most effective way to fight back is with humor and sarcasm.

“No matter what you do in life — beggars, poets, doctors or plumbers, you will always have a second job as a citizen of this country. You must make sure the legacy that rules this country will live on forever. That is your job.”

Ivins received a standing ovation.