Why is Ginger Here?

Reviewing the comic Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger by Jackie Ormes, it becomes apparent that Patty-Jo is the source of social commentary. For one thing, she speaks, while Ginger stays mute for every scene, but additionally Patty-Jo is often shown to be more rumpled, unkempt, and unhappy about the sociopolitical state of America. What, then, is Ginger's purpose? If she does not speak and is physically and aesthetically more "acceptable" in accordance with early 20th century fashion and decorum, she seems bland and unnecessary at first glance. However, I feel that she serves multiple purposes within the Jackie Ormes comic universe. First, Ginger is our gaze-the gaze suggested to the readers by Jackie Ormes. Because she does not speak, once we look at her, her gaze and body language direct us straight to Patty-Jo, as if Jackie Ormes is forcing us as readers to read and digest Patty-Jo's political diatribe. However, I believe Ginger is also there to placate more old-fashioned, male readers. Ginger is built, styled, and posed like a pinup girl in every comic that features her, as if Jackie Ormes is throwing less liberally-minded readers something for them in addition to Patty-Jo's more liberal stance. Many statements that Ormes channels through Patty-Jo are incredibly radical for the early 20th century, but by placing these statements alongside a young, attractive older sister, it feels like Jackie Ormes is sneaking you your medicine inside of a candy bar.