Description
Chronicles the history of women in the Navy in what capacities they have served (and why) and how they have fared. Such a history, treated even-handedly, is particularly needed in light of recent controversy about gays and lesbians in the military, where handling of gender and sexual issues both reflects and influences the larger society. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
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Crossed Currents is the first history of women in the U.S. Navy. Since the World War I service of Yeoman (F) Loretta Perfectus Walsh - the first U.S. servicewoman not a nurse - through the Gulf War and the recent Tailhook scandal, women have struggled for acceptance within the U.S. Navy. This book tells a fascinating story of two currents crossing and recrossing, sometimes conflicting, sometimes converging. One current is the Navy's attempt to include women gradually without losing its traditional values. The other is that of women challenging the Navy's assumptions, their aspirations rising as their opportunities widen. And as any sailor knows, where currents cross the waters are troubled. Jean Ebbert and Marie-Beth Hall have written a comprehensive and inspiring history that covers Tailhook in depth and shows why it was to be expected. Crossed Currents will make waves.
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