The competition among apprentices and journeymen, men and boys, was alarming. Changes in technology and pay seemed to only further strengthen the divide. It was alarming that career matters lead some to become suicidal. -Jennifer Johnson
Baron makes a point at the end of this article how the definitions of manhood and manly responsibilities seemed to be contradictory, which I think is a common theme that we can trace throughout our readings throughout this semester. I also thought his argument of how printer's relationships with the boy apprentices was very crucial to their job and status. We have read for a while how boys were looked down upon, but in this instance they hold some important power when it comes to other men's manhood. –Olivia Foster
I found how the author described the connections between masculinity ideals and printing jobs very insightful. “Competence” in the early decades of the nineteenth century referred to a man's ability to earn a comfortable livelihood for himself and his family.“ “Printers considered their work a quintessential “manly art” because it combined both intellectual and manual labor.” The printing jobs allowed men to fulfill their roles of providing while also allowing them to take pride in their work as it combined both the intellectual and manual spheres of laboring. - Joey Welch
When we think about printing in the twenty-first century, it seems so simple. The profession of printing must have ranked high on the pedestal for men and which careers and jobs they should pursue. The fascinating thing about printing during this time is how it shares similar job tasks with manual labor like a blue-collar worker strictly using strength and durability to perform their task. Printing requires a person of strength yes, but the intellectual intangibles necessary for this job put it in a unique and albeit difficult job to fill, at least in my view. - Daniel Childers