In the landscape of sexual liberation, one name stands out as a pioneer who transformed the very fabric of how women perceive their own pleasure: Shere Hite. In 1976, Hite unveiled a seismic shift in the discourse on female sexuality with "The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality." Though it might seem like common knowledge today, the notion that a woman's sexual fulfillment isn't tethered to the presence of a man was revolutionary at the time, challenging long-standing beliefs and, for some, posing a threat to established norms.
Hite, a trailblazing feminist, became the architect of change, reshaping women's perspectives on their bodies and desires. Her groundbreaking findings shattered prevalent misconceptions about female pleasure, with the most contentious revelation being that the majority of women didn't require penetrative intercourse, or a male partner, to achieve orgasm. As her revelations liberated many women, they equally unnerved a segment of men.
"The Hite Report" swiftly became a bestseller, catapulting Hite into the limelight. Despite her pivotal role in the sexual revolution and her foundational contributions to feminist movements, Shere Hite gradually faded from cultural memory. The question arises: why has this transformative figure been all but erased from history?
"The Disappearance of Shere Hite," a documentary released on November 17, seeks to unravel this mystery. Directed by Nicole Newnham, the visionary behind the Oscar-nominated "Crip Camp" in 2020, the film explores Hite's radical work and audacious personal life. It confronts the misogynistic backlash she endured, which eventually led her to renounce her American citizenship in 1995 and depart the United States.
Newnham, drawing inspiration from her clandestine reading of "The Hite Report" as a 12-year-old, delves into Hite's extensive archive at Harvard's Schlesinger Library. Immersed in an "overwhelming" wealth of material, including Hite's personal journals—narrated in the film by actor Dakota Johnson, who also served as an executive producer—Newnham unveils a narrative that challenges historical omissions. Collaborating with Hite's friends and colleagues, the documentary strives not only to revisit Hite's life but also to reframe the narrative, ensuring her indelible legacy endures.
"I really wanted it to be a film that explored the great work and cultural importance of a really brilliant, iconoclastic thinker and researcher, who was also an artist and cultural change agent," shared Nicole Newnham with TIME. In her quest to illuminate the life and legacy of Shere Hite, Newnham sought to debunk the caricatures and diminishment that had plagued Hite in the media. The response from those involved in the project was fueled by an eagerness to reintroduce Hite in her full complexity to audiences, highlighting a profound desire to rectify the historical oversight that had obscured her brilliance. As Newnham poignantly puts it, "that's a pretty beautiful way to come to know someone."
The documentary skillfully traces Hite's journey, from a struggling graduate student to a best-selling author and, subsequently, a controversial celebrity. Utilizing a rich tapestry of archival footage, the film captures Hite's collaborative ventures in image-making, ranging from modeling work to her personal aesthetic pursuits. It delves into her political activism with the National Organization for Women, showcasing videos and images that vividly depict her tireless efforts. Particularly noteworthy are the media appearances where Hite faced sexist scrutiny, providing a lens into the pervasive misogyny of the '90s, a landscape where other women like Anita Hill and Monica Lewinsky were similarly vilified.
The result is a nuanced portrait of a vibrant woman who found herself unfairly judged for being ahead of her time. Newnham artfully weaves Hite's narrative into the broader context of the rampant misogyny that characterized media attention in the '90s. By doing so, she unveils a woman whose brilliance was overshadowed by societal reluctance to embrace progressive ideas.
For Newnham, Hite's work remains prescient and more urgently needed than ever. "For Shere, women's right to pleasure was important to ensuring the success of our freedom and democracy," she emphasized. Through the documentary, Newnham aspires for viewers to grasp the political dimensions of sexuality and hopes that they are inspired by the bravery, strength, and creativity it took to challenge deeply ingrained notions about sex. Ultimately, she envisions the audience leaving with a profound understanding of the intersectionality of sex and politics, motivating them to actively contribute to the ongoing fight for women's bodily autonomy and their right to control their own bodies.
Shere Hite's journey began in 1942 as Shirley Diana Gregory in Saint Joseph, Missouri. A pivotal moment in her identity unfolded when her stepfather adopted her, granting her the surname Hite. Raised by her grandparents and aunt, Hite pursued higher education at the University of Florida in Gainesville, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in history. In the late '60s, she entered a doctoral program at Columbia University, financing her tuition through diverse modeling jobs, ranging from book illustrations to features in Playboy. However, the conservatism of the program led her to leave.
Her modeling endeavors, which initially seemed a means to an end, became a catalyst for her life's work. A campaign for Olivetti typewriters marked a turning point when she recoiled at the ad's demeaning caption: "The typewriter so smart, she doesn’t have to be." This fueled her activism, joining feminists from the National Organization for Women (NOW) in protest. Collaborating with luminaries like Gloria Steinem and Flo Kennedy, Hite dedicated herself to the '60s and '70s women's rights movement.
The genesis of Hite's groundbreaking research emerged during a NOW meeting discussion on female orgasms, where she was dismayed by the dearth of data. This prompted her to embark on a self-funded exploration, resulting in "The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality," published in 1976. Heralded as a beacon of the Women's Liberation movement, the book soared to instant bestseller status (still ranking 30th all-time), earning Hite both acclaim and notoriety.
Subsequently, Hite delved into various facets of sexuality, producing works on male sexuality, teenage sexuality, and families. Yet, her commitment to sex research and education made her a lightning rod for scrutiny, often leading to the dismissal of her research. The media subjected her to misogynistic attacks, exemplified by a disturbing clip from the Oprah Winfrey Show where an all-male audience berated her, and another instance of ridicule on the Maury Povich Show.
Within the research community, Hite faced further challenges. Critics questioned her methodology and sampling practices, undermining the significance of her work. The documentary captures the resilience of a woman who, despite facing relentless adversity, persisted in her pursuit of understanding and advocating for sexual freedom. Shere Hite emerges as a trailblazer whose legacy transcends the controversies that sought to diminish her contributions.
The relentless scrutiny Shere Hite faced reached such intensity that in 1989, she and her husband, Friedrich Höricke, a German concert pianist 19 years her junior, made a pivotal decision—they relocated to Germany. This move marked a profound juncture in Hite's life, culminating in her renouncement of American citizenship in 1995 and subsequent acquisition of German citizenship in 1996. In a poignant reflection captured in a 2003 New Statesman piece, she articulated the motivation behind her decision: "After a decade of sustained attacks on myself and my work, particularly my ‘reports’ into female sexuality, I no longer felt free to carry out my research to the best of my ability in the country of my birth."
The early years in Germany saw Hite's marriage to Höricke, but by 1999, they divorced. Undeterred, she remarried Paul Sullivan in 2012 and relocated to London with him. Throughout her life, Hite persisted in her research endeavors, primarily focusing on sexuality. Notably, she penned a memoir, "The Hite Report on Hite: A Sexual and Political Autobiography," published in 2000.
Tragically, Shere Hite passed away in 2020 at the age of 77, grappling with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Her departure marked the end of a journey that encompassed resilience, intellectual vigor, and an unwavering commitment to understanding and championing sexual freedom.
"The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality" stood as a testament to Hite's dedication. The book synthesized the results of approximately 3,000 out of 100,000 questionnaires that she meticulously crafted and distributed to women aged 14 to 78 across the United States. Spanning over 60 questions, Hite probed into the intricacies of women's personal feelings about sex and their sexuality, addressing both physical logistics and emotional dimensions.
Initially distributing her surveys by hand in New York City, Hite's innovative approach involved her then-boyfriend traversing boroughs on his motorcycle to distribute them. She later expanded her reach, advertising the surveys nationally in magazines and incorporating mailers for them in her first book, "Sexual Honesty, by Women, For Women," published in 1974. Upon the release of the Hite Report in 1976, its revelations—from masturbation and sexual satisfaction to femininity and romantic relationships—resonated deeply, propelling it to bestseller status.
A groundbreaking revelation within the report was the confirmation that over 70% of respondents did not climax from penetrative intercourse but found satisfaction through clitoral stimulation or masturbation. While celebrated by many women who felt their private experiences affirmed, this revelation unsettled some men. In a 1976 review for the New York Times, Erica Jong expressed, "Women who read it will feel enormously reassured about their own sexuality, and if enough men read it, the quality of sex in America is bound to improve." Meanwhile, Playboy controversially dubbed it "The Hate Report." Shere Hite's legacy, entwined with both acclaim and controversy, endures as a testament to her courage in challenging societal norms and advocating for the nuanced understanding of female sexuality.
What distinguished Shere Hite's seminal work from prior explorations of female sexuality, such as those by researchers like Kinsey and Freud, was its uniquely individualistic approach to data collection. In a departure from the norm, Hite's methodology sought authenticity by inviting women to respond anonymously to open-ended, write-in questions rather than restricting them to multiple-choice queries. This allowed for a depth of insight, unveiling nuanced and complex responses that went beyond the limitations of conventional survey formats.
Nicole Newnham, the director of the documentary exploring Hite's life, emphasized the precious nature of her work, noting that Hite aimed to raise awareness by showcasing the breadth and diversity of actual experiences. Newnham reflected on how Hite's research resonated with women, unveiling the impact of living within a rigid, patriarchal definition of sexuality centered around intercourse and male orgasm. Hite's findings illuminated the profound pain experienced by many individuals, irrespective of gender, attempting to conform to such constraining norms.
While Hite's methodology was lauded for its ability to elicit candid responses, it also rendered her vulnerable to scrutiny. Critics, especially those skeptical of her statistical reporting, took issue with the absence of demographic information from all respondents. Her sampling methods, reliant on distributed questionnaires without mandatory response, faced criticism for potential selection and nonresponse bias.
Hite weathered hurtful critiques about the validity of her work, a challenge compounded by the perceived lack of seriousness accorded to her due to the subject matter and her gender. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, she expressed her frustration, highlighting her significant contributions to methodology and lamenting the oversight of media in comprehending the intricacies of her research. She drew attention to the paradox that, despite Freud's interviews being limited to just three Viennese women, her extensive explanations in the report seemed to escape the notice of many. Shere Hite's journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and the persistent challenge of societal biases, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of human sexuality.
Shere Hite's indelible influence on our contemporary understanding of sexuality resonates to this day, yet her name doesn't echo as loudly as other renowned sexologists like Freud, Kinsey, or Masters and Johnson. Despite her active involvement in the second wave feminist movement and the National Organization for Women (NOW), she remains a less prominent figure to the average person. The shadows cast upon Hite's legacy reveal a complex interplay of factors, with one of the primary culprits being the sexist backlash she encountered in response to her groundbreaking work.
While Hite's contributions were revolutionary, they faced relentless undermining from societal and academic conventions. In the face of changing attitudes toward gender and sexuality, she inadvertently became a lightning rod for tensions and insecurities, evolving into a scapegoat for those resistant to the evolving landscape. This relentless backlash compelled her to retreat from the American public eye, creating a self-imposed exile.
The controversies surrounding her work, coupled with the fallout from sexist scrutiny, prompted Hite to take drastic measures. Her relocation to Germany, renunciation of American citizenship, and a deliberate reduction in public appearances and interviews underscore the toll this sustained criticism exacted on her. She became selective about engaging with the press, a defensive strategy in response to the media onslaught during the pinnacle of her fame.
A glimpse into Hite's mindset in a 2011 interview with The Guardian suggests the profound stress that years of scrutiny may have imposed on her, offering a glimpse into why she chose to step back from the spotlight in her later years. "Because I have sold a lot of books, I think that women think that I'm fine, but I'm not fine," she candidly shared. In expressing this vulnerability, Hite hoped for a deeper understanding among her readers, emphasizing that success in book sales did not shield her from the emotional toll inflicted by relentless criticism. Her retreat from the limelight becomes a poignant chapter in the narrative of a woman whose contributions, while transformative, came at a personal cost, underscoring the complexities woven into the fabric of her enduring legacy.
In conclusion, Shere Hite's profound impact on our comprehension of human sexuality stands as an enduring testament to her courage, innovation, and dedication. Despite her pivotal role in the sexual revolution and her instrumental contributions to feminist movements, Hite's legacy has often been overshadowed by the sexist backlash she faced. The revolutionary nature of her work, challenging entrenched societal norms, made her a lightning rod for tension and resistance, leading to a self-imposed exile from the American public eye.
While Hite's name may not resonate as loudly as some of her contemporaries, her influence persists in shaping our contemporary understanding of sexuality. Her individualistic approach to data collection, allowing women to share nuanced and complex responses anonymously, showcased the breadth and diversity of actual experiences. In the face of relentless scrutiny, Hite's resilience and commitment to advancing our understanding of sexuality remained unwavering.
The complexity of her legacy, marked by controversy and retreat, invites reflection on the societal challenges faced by trailblazers who defy conventional norms. Shere Hite's journey serves as a poignant reminder that transformative change often comes at a personal cost. As we celebrate her contributions, it is crucial to recognize the enduring impact of sexism and societal resistance, acknowledging the need for continued efforts to foster open conversations and challenge ingrained biases surrounding gender and sexuality. Shere Hite's legacy beckons us to confront these challenges, fostering a more inclusive and enlightened approach to the exploration of human sexuality.