Morality and its victim, the mother - what a terrible picture! Is there indeed anything more terrible, more criminal, than our glorified sacred function of motherhood?

In this provocative quote, Emma Goldman, an influential anarchist and feminist, critiques the societal ideals surrounding motherhood and its relationship to morality. By saying, "Morality and its victim, the mother—what a terrible picture!" Goldman condemns the pressure placed on mothers to uphold an idealized, almost sacrificial role in society. She sees motherhood as being bound to a rigid, moral framework that demands selflessness, often at the expense of the mother's own well-being and freedom. The "victim" here refers to the idea that society often uses mothers as the bearers of moral standards, yet this burden restricts their autonomy and personal fulfillment.

Goldman further critiques this societal construct by asking, "Is there indeed anything more terrible, more criminal, than our glorified sacred function of motherhood?" She questions the moral framework that elevates motherhood to an almost sacred status, arguing that this expectation limits women to a predefined, restrictive role. In her eyes, the glorification of motherhood serves not to uplift women but to trap them in a position where their individuality and freedom are suppressed for the sake of fulfilling societal duties.

The term "criminal" in the quote is particularly striking, as Goldman suggests that society’s glorification of motherhood, while seemingly virtuous, is in fact a form of oppression. She sees the ideal of sacrificial motherhood as a form of moral manipulation that forces women into a self-denying role, thus limiting their personal liberation and self-expression. To Goldman, the expectation that women should find fulfillment in solely nurturing their children is a dangerous ideal, as it denies them the chance to fully explore their own potential beyond the boundaries of motherhood.

Ultimately, Goldman’s quote is a bold critique of the societal pressure to elevate motherhood to an untouchable, moral high ground, viewing it as a restriction on women's freedom and identity. It reflects her broader beliefs in individualism, feminism, and the need to dismantle oppressive social constructs that limit women. For Goldman, true empowerment comes from the ability to choose one's path freely, without being confined by the glorified, but often limiting, ideals of motherhood.