Now you're Talking

N J C Ta Ikiri g construe Editors note following originally letter AMA District XI Vice President Ed McCollough reprinted permission both parties HAVE BEEN active AMA member RC pilot since 1982 became AMA member first got involved wonderful hobby very much mans world past 14 years women have made significant headway areas traditionally dominated men However RC modeling still mans world contacted several weeks ago gentlemen AMA [former Public Relations Director] Tom Clark told AMA concemed about lack women well minorities involved modeling looking ways encourage participation surprised gratified special effort being made address issues although got impression Tom looking quick solution told him uphill battle least far women concerned really no quick easy fix did seem too encouraged response although honest opinion After speaking Tom took ahard look latest Model Aviation After 14 years must confess have become hardened subtle not-so-subtle sexist digs often appear modeling press Much surprise did see single ad featuring buxom beauties great improvement also noted Soaring column pictures fliers just happened female great Soaring seems leading way since March 96 issue entire Radio Control Soaring column devoted women Soaring What best way get women interested Accept us Dont make big deal out women fliers Although think some articles like latest Soaring column great better just show women involvednot novelty part crowd Deanna Vignolini said best just want fly get respect other pilots get AMA really serious about encouraging participation women issue feel must bring attention couple features modeling magazines make effort never read because raise blood pressure Modelers Wife appears some other publication Sadly Microhenrys appears national magazine Model Aviation principal themes Mr Henrys cartoons conflict between men women over model airplanes very same issue Model Aviation featured women Soaring three seven cartoons Microhenrys depict women assaulting belittling partners over modeling mentioned concerns area What best way get women interested Accept us Mr Clark response some people like Microhenrys Im sure some people However feel message Mr Henry sends large percentage cartoons no way encouraging would-be female modelers concerned received unsolicited book Mr Henrys cartoons mail AMA logo front AMA logo blurb AMA front book give reader impression true AIVIA agrees picture modeling Mr Henry presents through cartoons Since have recently made practice ignoring Microhenrys magazine took opportunity review book 600 cartoons see perception feature sexist offensive statistical basis found 600 cartoons 45 75% depicted men women conflict over model airplanes Ninety-six 16% depicted men women common us vs configuration men front flying women standing behind both sides making snide belittling comments about other Much surprise found 11 18% cartoons actually showed women flying Unfortunately 11 seven depicted female pilot love interest Two made pointed reference fact flyer female outright sexual harassment woman flying shown short skirt unlike other women cartoons fear Mr Henry does harm good trying show women involved flying dont want singled out just want fly airplanes am raving feminist am active Pattern flier competes national level am Contest Director Leader Member have served club officer six 14 years AMA memberfour years president two different clubs currently serve Vice President National Society Radio Controlled Aerobatics district 8 am avid supporter organization AMA am embarrassed picture modeling today painted month Mr Henry pages Model Aviation believe AMA officers Leader Members can say making effort change attitudes women toward modeling attitudes modelers towards women involved modeling long Microhenrys appears national publication Such contention height hypocrisy Jam aware Mr Henrys long history contributions model aviation Academy Model Aeronautics However very evident self-serving arrogant offensive forward chose include book Mr Henry just doesnt get AMA logo appears cover implies AIvIA doesnt get either encourage AMAs efforts bring hobby larger segment population would honored help way can effort serious long show two faces modeling can anyone believe effort sincere Feel free share feelings Executive Council Thanks great work behalf Joan Anastasio 15618NE56th Way Redmond WA 98052 54 Model Aviation io rtpublicat expresset mode vailable aff the