I suppose the opening narration of Earl Hamner had to draw a passing mention of the war into this episode, however contrived, even if the story had nothing to do with the war.
Yes, the war proved many jobs previously thought to be the domain of men were well within women's capabilities. But I don't think women "found themselves" to be able. I think they knew it already. And as if men after the war didn't push hard to get their old jobs back. In fact, the Fifties' American ideal was someone who strived to be "the hostess with the mostest" and dreamed of dressing like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jacqueline Kennedy in very stereotypical feminine roles.
I fail to see how the Walton girls, with 12-year-old Erin as coach, were delving further into a man's world by racing horses and running foot races.
Yes, the war proved many jobs previously thought to be the domain of men were well within women's capabilities. But I don't think women "found themselves" to be able. I think they knew it already. And as if men after the war didn't push hard to get their old jobs back. In fact, the Fifties' American ideal was someone who strived to be "the hostess with the mostest" and dreamed of dressing like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jacqueline Kennedy in very stereotypical feminine roles.
I fail to see how the Walton girls, with 12-year-old Erin as coach, were delving further into a man's world by racing horses and running foot races.
