Photos of Betty Swords

Some photos of Denver cartoonist and humor writer Betty Swords.

Betty Swords was a fashion designer. At least, that was the plan. But it didn't work out that way.

They say travel broadens the mind, and during a trip to Texas she saw a very different world -- a very male world, one the was echoed in the popular media. She was both repelled and fascinated by the discriminatory nature of the male-dominated world of humor. She decided to do something about it.

Above: her 1959 cartoon speaks to the power that a woman may administer if she so chooses. Not at all a typical male point of view, huh? You can see it in context with some other 1959 gag cartoons here.

R. C. Harvey has the story: "At Sword's Point: Humor As Weapon"

Meanwhile, here are some newly discovered old photos of Betty Swords, from 1961 to 1985.

Betty Swords 1961

May 19, 1973: Colorado Authors Have a Vested Interest: Betty Swords, left, Albert Fay Hill, and Armand Reeder, right, admire president's vest of the Colorado Authors League. She won a prize for nonfiction technical article writing, and the Rev. Mr. Hill was installed as president of the group at a dinner at Denver Country Club Saturday night. Reeder is outgoing president. 

Betty Swords and her lightbox, 1969

Betty Swords writing, 1969

Betty Swords, 1972

Betty Swords signing the "Male Chauvinist Pig" calendar, 1973

Betty Swords, 1976

Betty Swords 1985

Betty Swords, 1985

R.C. Harvey "At Sword's Point: Humor As Weapon"