Photo credit sim sandwich
Pictured above is an original 1938 letter written by Disney rejecting a female job applicant for the reason that she is - female. To better read it's contents, the letter is reproduced in its entirety below with my emphasis on some lines:
June 7, 1938
Miss Mary V. Ford
Searcy,
ArkansasDear Miss Ford:
Your letter of recent date has been received in the Inking and Painting Department for reply.
Women do not do any of the creative work in connection with preparing the cartoons for the screen, as that work is performed entirely by young men. For this reason girls are not considered for the training school.
The only work open to women consists of tracing the characters on clear celluloid sheets with India ink and filling in the tracings on the reverse side with paint according to directions.
In order to apply for a position as "Inker" or "Painter" it is necessary that one appear at the Studio, bringing samples of pen and ink and water color work. It would not be advisable to come to Hollywood with the above specifically in view, as there are really very few openings in comparison with the number of girls who apply.
Yours very truly,
WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS, LTD.
By:
Signature
MEC
This letter is quite sad. It shows how women were treated during that time. They were regarded as inferior to and less valuable than the male gender. Notice how the writer fluctuates from using the terms "women" and "girls", a clear indication of how women were belittled. It is a good thing that we have come a long way since then. Although sexism against women hasn't yet been totally eradicated, women now have far more better rights and opportunities. Or are they?
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7 comments:
Waaah...it's sad but true. But lets leave the past and shift back to present. It's truly evident today that women are dominant and are taking part in our society. So more power to us girls! Weee..^^
@Jill: That's the spirit!
It's a good thing the world has changed for the better. We even have laws passed already, such as on Gender and Development which empowers women. I like your blog, thanks for dropping by too--i'm just a newbie ",).
I am passing this award to you. Just check it at my page ;)
Hi Dee,
Being a grad of Fine Arts, I understand fully well the job description. There are some works in animation that women do better than men, like the inking process.
But we have come a long way, there are female animators now...
Sad to say though that in some parts of the world, esp in Islam dominated countries, women still play a minor role in offices, govt service, etc.
They don't know that they're missing a lot!
I'm giving you the "What do I love about my husband" tag. Visit my site to get it. Let me know too if you did it na ha? Thanks!
@Jojigirl: That's true. We're lucky to live in these times. But it was just so sad for women back then.
Oh, thanks so much for the award! I love it.
@Elizabeth: Hi Beth! Thanks for sharing that. There are lots of women who are really talented. Especially in Arts.
Oh, thanks so much for the tag! I would love doing that! :)
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