Ok, before we go any further, Dad’s a bit of a racist. It’s uncomfortable but I have to acknowledge it. He’s a white guy born in 1918 and raised as a baptist in Natick, Massachusetts. It could be worse. This site is about the bigger picture though, the overall story so while I cringe about the “colored boys” and Lt. Levine being a gd jew, this story is getting posted, warts and all. I hope that by talking about it, we can keep a discussion going. While getting drafted was tough for Leonard, it was even harder for minorities. There had only been a draft since 1940 and with the war raging on, requirements were loosened to allow for more guys. Not enough to embrace all Americans who want to serve equally. While black men are able to enlist, they’ll be kept separate from the whites who, apparently, are unable to work and get along with others. At least that’s how it sounds. The racism is dumb. So faced with an incredible opportunity to change the way race is dealt with in America, the top brass in the military at the time let us down and kept status quo. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve come a long way baby, but desegregation should have happened sooner. It’s another stain on our history.
Here’s an interesting article from the Smithsonian American Art Museum: African-Americans-in-the-Military
While we’re on the subject, the Boston Globe in 1942 is really, really white and catholic. Just an observation.
Also, women were not exempt from the bullshit. In 1942, women have only had the right to vote for 22 years and in 1942, we’re still second class citizens. Leonard teases Audrey a lot but she’s right where she’s supposed to be – married. It’s fine and patriotic for her to work since they don’t have kids but that’s just a matter of time. It’s not if she’ll “get caught”, it’s when. The fact she’s not pregnant yet is kinda amazing. There is no birth control. Well, there is in the form of condoms or the unreliable rhythm method but there’s no education of great value to young women or men. Considering where the supreme court is as I write this on May 15, 2022 – it’s infuriating. Check out the Women’s page from the Boston Globe for May 14, 1942 – it’s menus and recipes to keep your family feed, Beauty HINTS (get a big hat), and step right up ladies; the war will help you choose the right mate?? Women will be allowed to join the military and they’ll be encouraged to work but the focus is on being a mom, looking good while doing it, and planting a garden – for victory!
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from
now on whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment.
Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that
service? Thank you!
Thanks for letting me know. I’ll get that figured out.
I quite like reading an article that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thank you!