Cross-Dressers of the Civil War: NF Reading Response

Women throughout most of history have been looked on as people not fit for soldiers, but 150 years before the United States combat ban was lifted, many women were already fighting in the U.S. army. Yes, Veronica Majerol's article Cross-Dressers of the Civil War in this month's Upfront magazine, showcases that. For example, some of the women fought to be close to loved ones, others because the army paid well, yet others because they believed strongly in the cause that they fought for. Women of all backgrounds fought for both sides in the american civil war, and they statistically served even better than the men who fought. But, the path was treacherous, as the slightest hunch or injury could lead to your expulsion from the military. Nevertheless, many women bravely served their country in the American Civil War.

Back in those times, women were looked down as people fit only for work around the house. But, as the author says, the women fought, no matter the cost. Yes, women in the civil war became "free" from their cliche feminine obligations; as one female soldier said "I am as independent as a hog on ice". In fact, they were shown to work better than the men, as in the article, it is stated that "14 percent of women were promoted compared with 10 percent of men." Indeed, Majerol did a very good job of showing that the women fought long and hard for both what they wanted, and what they believed in. She strongly shows how the women were so inspired in the struggle for all reasons.

In response to this story, I am very surprised how many women were willing to risk life, limb, and honor for a cause that was not mandatory. Up until very recently, women really weren't represented fairly in the armed forces. There were many willing to pay the ultimate price for that which they held dear. Historically, it is clear that women could have fought well, simply there was no scientific evidence proving that women could be soldiers. There was and is no reason for women to be any lesser than men in the armed forces, and I believe that now, with the combat ban on women finally lifted, women are represented fairly by the U.S..