Flygirl

http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/workshops/wwii/Session2.htm

This page is designed for you to comment on what you've read and discuss the comments or questions of others.  You are required to comment on the question I've left here for you.  You have the option of commenting on someone else's opinion, as well.  Please be diligent in responding to these questions, as they will come up in class and count toward your participation grade.

Assignment One
I would like you to look at some of the historical information I've provided here to get a background on the time period during which Ida Mae Jones is living.  Please read a little bit about the WASP and comment on what you've read.  Have you ever heard of the WASP or been to the World War II WASP museum?  Could you find information on what year Jimmy Carter finally gave the WASP military status?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123773525

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/women-airforce-service-pilots-wwii-receive-congressional-gold/story?id=10057074

Assignment Two
Pages 1-38
Do you think Ida Mae is betraying her family by pretending to be white, or is she doing the right thing?  Why or why not?

Assignment Three
Pages 39-63
Is Ida Mae doing the right thing in joining the WASP, or is her place at home to help her family?  Where would she be doing the most good?

Assignment Four
Pages 64-88
Develop new nicknames for Patsy, Ida, and Lily and tell why you chose them.

Assignment Five
Pages 89-107
Do you think the view of women and their capabilities is completely different today?  More specifically, do you think women are considered just as capable as men in the military, or do you feel as if there are some things men are perceived to be better at?  What impact does this have on job choices for women and men?

Assignment Six
Pages 108-127
Ida Mae dealt with her stress by tying knots in her handkerchief and singing a song.  What song did she sing and why was it helpful?  How do you deal with stress?

Assignment Seven
Pages 109-152
Do you think Patsy and Lily would still accept Ida Mae if they knew the truth about her race?  How would you handle Ida's situation?

Assignment Eight
Pages 153-167
Is Ida Mae's mother proud of her for joining the WASP?  How do you think she felt about meeting Ida and pretending to be someone else?

Assignment Nine
Pages 168-189
Why is it significant that Lily has to pay for Patsy's funeral?  What does that mean for the WASP?  Do you think women will still be able to fly once World War II is over?

Assignment Ten
Pages 190-218
If Jolene were to write a letter to Ida after their encounter explaining her feelings, what would it say?  The letter only needs to be 1-2 paragraphs.

Assignment Eleven
Pages 219-241
How does the flight with the B-29 and the experience for Lily and Ida pulling targets make the military's perception of women in the army more clear?  Are women valued soldiers, or something else?

Assignment Twelve
Pages 242-269 (End)
What do you think Ida's letter to Walt said?  Do you think she was able to keep flying after the war, or did she grow tired of "passing" and decide to head home?
Please read the historical notes at the back of the book and learn a little more about how lucky women are to be women today.