'Speaking Out': The Political Career of Helen Keller

The aim of this article is to draw the reader's attention to the political career of Helen Keller. It is argued that her drift towards a radical and socialist position was the result of deeply held political convictions which have largely been ignored by commentators. Contemporary newspaper accounts portrayed her as a vulnerable person manipulated by those closest to her and exploited by extremist organisations. These assertions are discussed with particular reference to her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy and the latter's husband John Macy. Despite her prolonged dependence on others and the many pressures upon her, it is evident that she did manage to achieve an independent political career. The lessons for political action by disabled people are briefly sketched.