What do you think about calling these remarkable women "Fly Girls." Do you think it was complimentary or derogatory, and why?

What do you think about calling these remarkable women "Fly Girls." Do you think it was complimentary or derogatory, and why?

At the time, it was neither derogatory or complimentary. It was common to call women Girls and they do so today among themselves. Today's young women would not stand to be called girls--or aviatrixes for that matter. They are pilots, aviators--terms that are not gender specific.

Men had to come up with a "name" for what these women represented. To call them pilots was to acknowledge they were in the same class, men couldn't stand for that. It was an ideal description of what the girls were. To this day, the term "girl" is used as a friendly term or a derogatory term mostly by women to each other!

At the time it was probably developed as a way to imply that these females were a temporary exception to the fact that it was guys in the 'cock pit' (now a gender-neutral flight deck.) However, it does not bother me to hear that terminology. Even today, I still think of and usually refer to my close female friends as girlfriends rather than women.

This was the perfect title. It's what they were called and fits them to a tee. These were remarkable, independent and adventurous women for anytime but particularly for their own time in history.

At the time it was probably not considered derogatory, but certainly intended to keep them in their place. Today the term would definitely be offensive. Today such a label would be interpreted not only as derogatory, but an attempt. to restrict effectiveness.

I think then, as now, the press was looking for a snappy way to refer to these women, and that it was neither complementary or derogatory. I'm sure I've heard the term "Fly Boys" in reference to male pilots, so this seems like a reasonable term for the women.

I think it an appropriate title, especially for that era. I would never find it derogatory. With all due respect, I think it depends on the individual. For example, like many people( not all) in today society get sensitive over something or easily offended. In many ways, it has got out of hand.

I think it was only a little complimentary, but mostly a catchy term for the newspapers, media and the public to use. And it was better than the race being called the “powderpuff” which was certainly derogatory. At the time I don’t think this was the main concern of the women, since they just wanted acceptance for women in aviation.

I think it an appropriate title, especially for that time period.

I've been called a lot worse. I received my pilot's license in 1968. Calling all women girls was common then and now. It doesn't seem to have the same connotation as calling a man a boy.

What I find a bit derogatory is the need to single out the women at all. I would have found a book written about early aviators to be just as compelling and would have given the female pilots equal status. By calling them "Fly Girls" one implies that they didn't quite qualify as the real thing.

I think it was the perfect title, it complimented the term “fly boys” often used for pilots at the time.

I think it was appropriate for the time period. It also was a little catchy.

I try not to get caught up in titles. It was a good title that was appropriate for the subject.

I liked that the were called Fly Girls and they did not seem to be offended.

Although, nowdays, with the stifling "politically correctness" of every statement, every title, and every description the title "girls" would be offensive and sexist, "Fly Girls" is a catchy and descriptive title. I loved it. These were women or "girls" with such a competitive, daring, and "in your face" courage to flaunt their ability and bravery against men, at the risk of humiliation, failure and even death. If I had the guts to do what they did I would be proud and elated to be called a "Fly Girl"!!!

I never really thought anything about it.

At that time I don't think it was either. For me, it's not derogatory, but I know women today that would be offended.

Like the term, “Fly Boys,” for men, we would reject it today, but it was not offensive at the time. As a book title, it’s great. It intrigues me and makes me want to read the book.