"I’ve been described as a tough and noisy woman, a prize fighter, a man-hater, you name it. ... There are those who say I’m impatient, impetuous, uppity, rude, profane, brash, and overbearing. Whether I’m any of those things, or all of them, you can decide for yourself. But whatever I am — and this ought to be made very clear — I am a very serious woman." 
 
— Bella Abzug