Charm School
The sitcom I Love Lucy, premiered in 1951 and was considered to be the most popular television show to hit the American screens during the fifties….
Read MoreCategory: Society and culture in change, 1917-1980 America
Women, immigration, lifestyle and media
The land of the free and the home of the Red Scare
The Red Scare that led to the fear of communism which permeated American politics
America is a nation built on freedom and founded on liberty. Its fore-fathers broke away from the yoke of British imperial oppression for this very purpose. However, at many points in its auspicious history, these founding ideals have been grievously rejected and degraded, whether it be in the late emancipation of the slaves …
Read MoreFrankly, my dear, I don't give a damn
The Rise of Hollywood in 1920s and 1930s America
Cinema is the ultimate form of escapism. The experience as we know it today tantalises our senses in every way – from the darkened focused environment, the specialised surround sound system ringing in our ears, the smell and taste of the popcorn to take us away from the distractions of our home life. Total immersion is required. The world of the cinema has come a long way from…
Read MoreThe Feminine Mystique
Movements for Change Against ‘A Problem that has No Name’
In 1963, feminist writer and psychologist, Betty Friedan penned a controversial book that revolutionised how women viewed their role and identities. This book was titled The Feminine Mystique, which became a landmark and catalyst for …
Read MoreFirst Lady of the World
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticised anyway.” Eleanor Roosevelt
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, born in 1884, is known to be the wife of the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt who served from 1933 until his death in 1945. She was the niece of the former President Theodore Roosevelt. She married Franklin in 1905 and they had six children. Eleanor Roosevelt’s strong-willed character challenged …
Read MoreWorld War II – Shaking the old prejudices about gender roles
The Impact of World War II on the Role of Women
The Second World War required new roles for women with the aim of freeing men in the country to go out to fight for democracy. In the first six months after Pearl Harbour, 750,000 women applied for jobs in defence plants, but only 80,000 were hired. Why was …
Read MoreFlapper girls in 1920s America
Free Spirit Flapper
The Roaring Twenties of America saw a break from the traditional view of women. This new style known as flappers derived from Britain which featured a different way of living and so the ‘new woman’ was created. WW1 had resulted in a shift of …
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