Leadership Quote by Garrett M. Graff
““Another unexpected problem in emergency planning became apparent during the exercise: The wives of the cabinet leaders rebelled—the first in what would be a long line of spouses who realized that the government had planned for their partners’ survival but not their own. As syndicated columnist Doris Fleeson wrote in a column entitled “Men First; Women, Children Last,” “Apparently it had not dawned on those ladies until they actually saw their husbands pack a suitcase for a three-day stay that no such plans had been made for them or their children. Their wives’ farewell embraces were described by some of the men as rather lacking in warmth.” Adding to the domestic chill was the realization that 200 of the cabinet leaders’ secretaries—“Government Girls,” as the newspapers referred to them—had been afforded space in the relocation planning.II””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Secret History of the United States,” 2015
The passage reveals gender bias in emergency planning, where women’s safety was overlooked while men’s needs were prioritized.
In simple terms: Planning ignored women, focusing only on men.
Key Takeaway
Include all family members in emergency plans.
Themes
gender equality
emergency planning
social bias
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
social
When to use this quote
- government preparedness
- disaster response
- gender studies
Key Concepts
inclusivity
policy oversight
family safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How can planners ensure equitable safety measures?
- What are the consequences of gender‑biased planning?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting half the population creates vulnerability.
