New Delhi, Sept. 10 -- The outpouring of tributes to Gloria Steinem, who passed away in New York on 2 September at 92-"surrounded by many who loved her," as her foundation put it-has been remarkable, to put it mildly.

There has been a torrent of fond remembrances on social media, and many emotional eulogies from a wide range of famous people in the media. Media across the world, including India, carried prominently placed obituaries; some well-known magazines republished earlier covers and interviews featuring her. The New Yorker published what it described as "Gloria Steinem's Final Essay" the day after she died.

There has also been a sudden, somewhat startling, spate of denunciations from various quarters. This reminded me of the asto...