Black Jack by Bolster Ch. 2, 5 as a reference
Why was gender such a crucial issue in the Navy?
Were African Americans better off at sea than on land?
What was the influence of class on the American Navy?
Gender was a crucial issue in the Navy because historically, it was a male-dominated institution. Women were not allowed to serve in combat roles until recently, and even before that, they were mostly restricted to support positions. The Navy had strict gender norms and expectations, and the presence of women on ships was often seen as disruptive or potentially distracting to the male crew members. Additionally, there were concerns about maintaining discipline and morale, as it was believed that mixed-gender crews could create tensions or romantic relationships that could impact the functioning of the Navy.
It is difficult to make a general statement about whether African Americans were better off at sea than on land because their experiences in the Navy varied. In the case of Black Jack, which is a fictional story based on real events, African American sailors faced racism and discrimination both on land and at sea. They had to deal with prejudiced practices, limited opportunities for advancement, and segregated living environments. However, being at sea allowed them to escape some of the more overt forms of racial violence and oppression that they might have faced on land. It also offered some opportunities for education and skill-building that were not as readily available to African Americans in civilian life.
Class had a significant influence on the American Navy. The Navy, like the rest of society, was stratified based on social class. The higher-ranking officers typically came from wealthier backgrounds and had access to better education and resources. They held positions of power and authority within the Navy and had more opportunities for advancement. In contrast, lower-ranking enlisted personnel often came from working-class backgrounds and had limited opportunities for upward mobility. Class divisions were evident in the living conditions onboard ships, with officers having more comfortable accommodations than enlisted sailors. Additionally, the opportunities for promotion, access to education, and overall treatment within the Navy were often influenced by an individual's social class.