World War II pin-ups were famous morale-boosters for men and women of The Greatest Generation. Are 'pin-ups' offensive now and why?

2015-12-01T15:04:45-05:00

The Pin-Ups for Vets non-profit organization, which produces their signature WWII styled pin-up calendar featuring veterans and military spouses, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of funding veteran and troop initiatives.
“We do everything from our 50 state VA hospital and military tour, where we get dressed up like pin-ups and deliver our calendars at the bedsides of hospitalized veterans around the U.S., to donating thousands of dollars worth of rehab equipment to VA and military hospitals nationwide,” founder Gina Elise told FOX411. The calendar features 17 veterans – 12 women and 5 men -- many of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Navy veteran and Pin-Ups for Vets model Jennifer Marshall was initially hesitant to appear in the calendar, but after learning about what the non-profit gives back to the military community, she decided to put her inhibitions aside.
“It really hit home when she (Elise) told me this raises a lot of money for the troops and for vets, that was a game changer," Marshall said. "I swallowed my nervousness and got over it. I’m glad I did.” To learn more about Pin-Up for Vets and its initiatives -- and to buy the 10th anniversary calendar -- go to Pin-Ups for Vets
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/12/01/pin-up-for-vets-model-jennifer-marshall-glad-to-be-part-anniversary-calendar/

http://www.pinupsforvets.com/

Pin-Ups for Vets model Jennifer Marshall glad to be part of anniversary calendar

Iconic pin-ups like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable are a thing of the past, but thanks to Pin-Up for Vets, you can still buy a calendar that looks like it was shot in 1945 -- and the proceeds go to a great cause.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Dec 1 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-12-01T15:10:14-05:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS - Everything is offensive now to somebody. The PC BS has gotten totally out of control.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-12-01T15:14:29-05:00

Yes, they surely are.
The biggest difference between then and now is that units are largely integrated. In WWII, women were secretaries and nurses, and not much else.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Dec 1 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-12-01T15:55:49-05:00

is it offensive? Sure, why not. Does it objective women? Of Course... and so does Hooters, so does the cheerleading uniform, so does a fireman's calendar. But is it wrong, or just human nature?
The truth is, we are all both shallow and deep, at the same time. Does a bud light taste any different at Hooters, no, but customers like the women (and atmosphere), and that's why they are in business.
when a bar manager hires an attractive bar tender, is that wrong? How about when she wears a V neck shirt and a push up bra, is that wrong?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-12-01T16:07:39-05:00

This is absolutely not offensive. The models in the calendar are vets who are raising money for vets. Way to go to both the male and female models!

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Dec 1 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-12-01T17:22:15-05:00

Love the Art, Patriotic and Classy Sexy America!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 1 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-12-01T19:51:09-05:00

Do they Objectify Women, Yeah Sure. Will some people find them Offensive, Sure. Are they Sexist, Yep. Do I like them Yes I Do! Do I have a Problem with them Nope. (Ladies want same with pictures of men, go for it although I wouldn't make a good model). My Dad subscribed to Playboy and Penthouse in his younger days and still had a subscription to Esquire when he died . My Mother and Father were both Lay Catholic Ministers. My Mother was a Registered Artist with the Kansas City Art Institute and to get her Degree Yep she had to make sketches of Nudes and I still have all of her Sketches. I think one of the most Beautiful things God ever created is the Human Form and I have no problem with the display of it.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 1 at 2015 8:59 PM

2015-12-01T20:59:40-05:00

Anyone can be offended by anything. I'm offended by all kinds of things.

However, I would never deny someone the pleasure or displeasure of those things because of MY offense at them. Because I TRY not to let my emotions dictate others use of their time.

I treat my "offense" like my "allergies." I'm allergic to Pineapple. I've always been allergic to Pineapple. I don't eat Pineapple. Simple as that. If there is something present with Pineapple, I politely decline it. If pressed for "why?" I inform, and leave it at that. I NEVER tell others they cannot have Pineapple because of my intolerance for the fruit. That would be wrong. Why should others lose out on what I assume is a wonderful experience, because I cannot (or theoretically choose not to because of "death") partake in it?

The flip side of this is also true. I happen to like pears (using another fruit as a counter example to Pineapple). I realize that is not everyone's cup of tea. If buying solely for myself, that's what I get. If buying for the family.. I get variety, realizing that not everyone likes them.. and I should probably offer variety... so I don't leave anyone out (or offend). However, after I have made a college try, it's up to the other person to partake or not partake. They can choose to be offended or not by my efforts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-12-02T06:51:26-05:00

On the contrary, pin-ups can be empowering to women as well. It's a reminder that it is possible to be beautiful without being naked. I've done pin-up shots of women before (photography is a hobby), and often the models feel much better and are amazed at how beautiful they look.

Some people will find it offensive, but ultimately they have the right to be offended, but it shouldn't change anything. As the saying goes, "Vote with your feet." If enough people don't like it, it no longer becomes a profitable venture. It's a great concept, and I absolutely love the fact that we can still celebrate a more innocent time.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Dec 2 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-12-02T23:34:07-05:00

Yes, because they objectify women. I don't think there's a way to refute this. If you appreciate WWII pin ups as art that's cool. But keep it out of the work place. We have more women in the work force compared to the 40's.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Dec 2 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-12-02T23:41:19-05:00

If your gonna show women being sexy in 2016 show them flying the plane not modeling in front of it. Show them waring the uniform not flirting with a man in his. This is a joke...