1943 WAAC Cartoon, Caption: “What makes you think the WAAC is coming to this camp?”
Source: United States Army in World War II: The Women’s Army Corps by Mattie Treadwell (Published by the Department of the Army in 1954)
Several readers recently wrote wonderful comments about the role of women in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The comments made me think about something that was commonly referred to as the “Slander Campaign.”
In 1943, as the women’s unit was converting from the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC) to the WAC, some people were concerned about women getting the same pay and benefits as men—and being an actual part of the army.
The media took a very active role in questioning why women were in the army—and sometimes argued (very inappropriately) that the women were not much more than “camp followers.” Many cartoons, such as the one I’m posting today, were considered to be part of the Slander Campaign.
We will never get rid of the few who oppose things like the WAC and equal pay for equal work. The slander campaigns work to undermine the positive things accomplished. They did then and they do now.
You’re right, there was a lot of inequality back then. Even during the 1960s and 1970s, there was a lot of inequality (and some may persist to this day).
I didn’t know about the Slander Campaign. It is logical…women have been trying for years to be treated as equals in the work force…and they still don’t have equality:(
Yes, the women continued to join. The military’s reaction was to put a lot of rules and restrictions in place–and to develop a more positive counter PR campaign.
Not surprised…this was the same media that kept women journalists where they “belonged” as well–writing society/fluff columns as opposed to more serious topics. (It would just hurt our little heads to have that kind of “manly” responsibility!)
No doubt the resistance to women becoming full partners was fierce. On the other hand, humor often is used — and is useful — in defusing situations that make people uncomfortable, or helping people talk about things that otherwise would be considered “bad form.”
As I was transitioning from ministry to boat varnishing, I was known on the docks as “Father Linda” for a couple of years. And more than a few women pastors I knew in the early 70s were referred to as “pastorettes.” That sort of thing can be aggravating, but the best way to counteract it is to do the job, and do it well. Clearly, the WACs passed that test!
You have a very thoughtful and nice perspective about some situations that I’m sure were very difficult. Pastorette–what a hilarious term! I’m sure it wasn’t funny at the time, but somehow I have to smile in a sad kind of way.
Indeed interesting to see the mindset the media of the day carried about the relevance of women in the Armed forces. And how that has shifted one hundred and eighty degrees in a mere five to six decades.
I am left wondering, what is it really that shapes opinion at large? Is it the media that does so or is it the public thinking that percolates into the media as it articulates on issues?
My Aunt the WAC 
We will never get rid of the few who oppose things like the WAC and equal pay for equal work. The slander campaigns work to undermine the positive things accomplished. They did then and they do now.
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I agree.
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Wow, I didn’t know they had a Slander Campaign. I am so proud of your Aunt. She was truly a pioneer in the Army.
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Yes, she was a pioneer. It had to have been very difficult for women in the military during the early years.
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Rather reminds you of the jokes and cartoons over women’s right to vote, doesn’t it? It never ends.
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How true and how sad! Your comment makes me think about some of the cartoons about women’s suffrage that I posted on A Hundred Years Ago.
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I didn’t know about this, but could have guessed that there were lots of examples of prejudice / inequality. Jane
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You’re right, there was a lot of inequality back then. Even during the 1960s and 1970s, there was a lot of inequality (and some may persist to this day).
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I didn’t know about the Slander Campaign. It is logical…women have been trying for years to be treated as equals in the work force…and they still don’t have equality:(
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You’re absolutely right. I’ve heard news stories in recent weeks about pay inequities.
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And yet the women weren’t put off, it seems. 🙂
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Yes, the women continued to join. The military’s reaction was to put a lot of rules and restrictions in place–and to develop a more positive counter PR campaign.
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Not surprised…this was the same media that kept women journalists where they “belonged” as well–writing society/fluff columns as opposed to more serious topics. (It would just hurt our little heads to have that kind of “manly” responsibility!)
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I can also remember when women only wrote for the social pages. Whew, I lot has changed during our lifetimes.
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So rude, but then I’m not surprised. We had that happen in the 70s and early 80s.
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You’re absolutely right. It’s sometimes scary to think about what things were like back when I was a teen and young woman.
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Grrrrrr!!!!
Absolutely insulting!!
Women still face certain types of slander today
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I agree–In some ways we’re come a long way, but in other ways there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.
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No doubt the resistance to women becoming full partners was fierce. On the other hand, humor often is used — and is useful — in defusing situations that make people uncomfortable, or helping people talk about things that otherwise would be considered “bad form.”
As I was transitioning from ministry to boat varnishing, I was known on the docks as “Father Linda” for a couple of years. And more than a few women pastors I knew in the early 70s were referred to as “pastorettes.” That sort of thing can be aggravating, but the best way to counteract it is to do the job, and do it well. Clearly, the WACs passed that test!
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You have a very thoughtful and nice perspective about some situations that I’m sure were very difficult. Pastorette–what a hilarious term! I’m sure it wasn’t funny at the time, but somehow I have to smile in a sad kind of way.
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And the struggle for equality continues – interesting piece of history.
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How true–sometimes I’m surprised how slow things change.
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Great post.
Indeed interesting to see the mindset the media of the day carried about the relevance of women in the Armed forces. And how that has shifted one hundred and eighty degrees in a mere five to six decades.
I am left wondering, what is it really that shapes opinion at large? Is it the media that does so or is it the public thinking that percolates into the media as it articulates on issues?
Shakti
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Many thanks to your Aunt for being a Pioneer and a strong woman in difficult times for women!! Hugz Lisa and Bear
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