Nanci Ritter

Nanci Ritter

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Vietnam War, 1961-1975

Civil rights demonstrations

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Veterans

Nanci Ritter begins by describing her family and youth growing up in Philadelphia. She discusses her experiences with attending college at West Chester University (WCU), as well as the general campus culture that existed at WCU during the early 1970s. Ritter describes her interaction with race relations in Philadelphia and how her interest in political and social activism was shaped by her youth. She then talks about her time in WCU's student government, including how the Vietnam War affected campus life. She touches on student and community attitudes surrounding Vietnam War related activism, as well as around other social issues such as women's rights, sexuality and the presence of a Planned Parenthood in West Chester. With regards to the Vietnam War, Ritter talks about the GI Bill, POW bracelets, her interaction with veterans, and the question of children of American soldiers and Vietnamese women. Ritter describes the culture of the 70s as well as differences between students in the 70s and students now, finishing her interview on the idea of youth apathy and the importance of political awareness and involvement.

2022-04-04

video

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Brenna McGowan

Nanci Ritter

Intercollegiate Governmental Association

Philadelphia race riots

Planned Parenthood

Women's Rights movement

G.I. Bill