On March 30, 1890, an officer of the First National Bank…
““On March 30, 1890, an officer of the First National Bank placed a warning in the help-wanted section of the Chicago Tribune, to inform female stenographers of “our growing conviction that no thoroughly honorable business-man who is this side of dotage ever advertises for a lady stenographer who is a blonde, is good-looking, is quite alone in the city, or will transmit her photograph. All such advertisements upon their face bear the marks of vulgarity, nor do we regard it safe for any lady to answer such unseemly utterances.” The””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The ad warns that certain personal attributes in job listings are seen as vulgar and unsafe for women, reflecting gender bias and moral judgments of the era.
In simple terms: Job ads should avoid sexist language and stereotypes.
Key Takeaway
Reject gendered hiring criteria.
Themes
gender bias
employment
morality
media
historical attitudes
Mood
critical
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
historical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- HR policy drafting
- media analysis
- gender studies
- historical research
Key Concepts
sexism
social norms
advertising ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern job ads reflect or reject past biases?
- What responsibilities do media have in shaping hiring norms?
A Different Perspective
Such warnings may perpetuate exclusionary standards and limit opportunities for women.