The show “Pan Am” is a glitzy, glossy version of 1960s escapism, but remember the keyword here is “escapism.” One of the biggest critiques of the show is that it doesn’t seem like it’ll really tackle the tougher issues of the ’60s–women’s rights, racism and the Civil Rights Movement–as much as show them as bullet points and move on. And to be fair, the show really isn’t set up to be hard-hitting. But if you really want to know a true story from a Pan Am stewardess, read Carole Mallory’s article, “My Turbulent Career as a Pan Am Stewardess” at The Huffington Post.
In the article, Mallory describes how she had chronic airsickness, got swollen feet from stilettos, became sleep deprived and became an alcoholic and dependent on drugs such as quaaludes, nembutals and seconals. However, despite the bad things that happened to her and the fact that she was happy to eventually give up her job to pursue her modeling career, she wrote that she does not regret the jet-set lifestyle she chose, as it gave her a chance to see the world.
You can read the full story here. After reading it, write what you think about it in the comments section below, especially if you had a happy experience as a Pan Am stewardess.
