I have come to this conclusions without the benefit of inside experi- ence, as I am not an FP myself and I am interested in how my viewpoint and opinions vary from those of the members of FPE,
Signed
Anonymously, understanding female Editors Note: The above is a very interesting and instructive com- mentary of our FP selves by a woman who knows a lot of FPs well. Her observations about the shallowness of the image of womanhood held by many FPs is worth thinking through. It is true that FPE meet- ings are intended to provide an opportunity for temporary decom- partmentalization, and it is also true that since this opportunity is rather infrequent that the occasion should be enjoyed to its fullest. For this latter reason spending the time talking about one's job, sporting events or other topics generally dealt with in one's masculine life does seem a waste of time. However, “girl talk” is, as our GG author points out, rather a bit of fantasy in the FPs mind which stems from his masculine point of view. As she says, women aren't bird brains anymore, talking about only clothes, makeup and kids so why should you?
I also agree with her that a decent man · a gentleman in the old sense does not have to and should not be a brute, etc. This is over compensation. At the same time, being a female and never having been brought up as a boy, she may not be able to appreciate the internal limitations placed on a boy, about expressing any femininity and which requires some other means, such as cross dressing to let it out.
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AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT FPE
Eight years ago, when FPE was first formed, I asked Fran 49-C-1, if she would be treasurer and Exec. Secty. of it. She graciously accepted and is almost single-handedly responsible for making FPE what it is. As it grew from a few scattered members to a number of members and chapters the work load became enormous. This was because of the de- mands of security and privacy which we promised the members in the beginning and which we still maintain. But because of the demands on her time and the development of her own business, Fran has found it necessary to step down as our Exec. Secty. after many years of hard, voluntary, and often unappreciated work. Every member of FPE past and present owes her a considerable debt, since all are more relaxed, self acceptant, and comfortable for having been FPE members. This is be-
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