Thursday, October 1, 2009

All Is Not Gold That Glistens

This article appeared unsigned and unattributed in late August or early September 1947 in a metropolitan newspaper. Although modern life is different in many ways, what was true then is just as true now.

Many a young miss with a yearning for the bright lights, silk undies and fur coats is courting a trip to the skids, disillusionment and worse than a broken heart — a broken body. Almost every day we read accounts of some young woman's body being found in a secluded spot, under a culvert or in a deserted apartment, broken beyond identification or with a gaping gun wound. The story the district attorney or police unravels and gives to the public generally follows the same pattern.

Almost every one of these slain girls is described as a beauty, with curvacious [sic] body and golden hair. Her troubles started while she was still young and attractive, a play girl who declined to wash the dishes or otherwise aid in the family chores. She delighted in the attentions she received as she strolled the streets, or danced to enchanting music in a road house. If she could warble a little or disport in scanties, her way to the golden lights was made easy.

The lure of easy living, fine clothing and a ready smile for the playboys of questionable habits and morals are contributing factors and before the young miss is aware of approaching dangers, her downfall has been accomplished and in her aroused sense of shame she fears to face her parents and as a consequence the downward path finds her.

If you harbor the opinion that inmates of brothels are there from choice, banish the thought. Practically every one of these girls is a victim of a deep laid conspiracy. Too frequently they fall into the meshes of a well-organized gang and through promises of fine positions in the "city" where the gay bright lights are shining. Upon reaching the destination they are ushered into some "madame's" [sic] silken hideout, locked away from the relatives and friends and browbeaten until the powers of resistance are broken. Then some stalwart scion of wealth pays the price and ruin is accomplished.

It is an old, old story, but ever new to the sweet young girls who fall for the allures and traps so temptingly laid for them. The only hope of removing these temptations is for homes, churches and schools to play strong roles in educational fields, stressing the values of clean and simple living, spiritual wealth and the differences between tinsel and real values. It will not be a completely successful campaign for there are too many girls who see only the glamor of high living and enviously observe the comforts and pleasures of their wealthier neighbors.