What is white feather?

A white feather is often used as a symbol of cowardice, particularly in British culture and in relation to military service. The act of giving someone a white feather is meant to imply they are avoiding their duty or lacking courage.

The association of the white feather with cowardice dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, although its origins are somewhat unclear. Some believe it stems from cockfighting, where a white feather in a fighting cock's plumage was seen as a sign of poor breeding.

During World War I, the symbol gained significant notoriety. The Women's%20Social%20and%20Political%20Union (WSPU), a British women's suffrage organization, actively campaigned to shame men into enlisting in the armed forces. Members of the WSPU, and other women, handed out white feathers to men not wearing military uniforms, often in public places. This practice was intended to publicly humiliate and pressure men into joining the war effort.

The effectiveness and ethics of the white feather campaign were highly controversial. It often targeted men who were exempt from military service due to age, occupation, medical reasons, or conscientious objection. In some cases, men already serving in the military on leave were wrongly accused. The campaign led to instances of harassment and unjust accusations, causing significant distress to those targeted.