On March 18, 1941 an episode of Fibber McGee and Molly aired in which Fibber, a middle aged married man, gets a draft notice.
Oh I had to hear this. How is this propaganda-rich show going to spin this one?
Well, he’s completely honored and overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve his country. Molly is dumbfounded and at first cannot believe he was drafted. Afterall, he is not a young buck in the bloom of youth. “I’m in the prime of my life” McGee insists, and asks if Molly doesn’t want him to go. She earnestly replies if his country needs him, of course she wants him to go.
Then the game of the episode is person after person is informed of his draft notice and reacts in laughing disbelief. All the way up to the seargent he reports to, ready to go off to war. Then an error is noticed on the draft card and the episode ends, but the show goes on, with McGee securely at home.
You see, being drafted is an honor and an opportunity for adventure bestowed only on the best and brightest, the fittest of Americans. It’s the highest form of flattery the government can give a man. It means he is virile and vital, a proud part of something bigger than himself and his small life in a small town. He is entering the world stage to fight evil, a conquoring hero. What could be better?