post- war paranoia: an american past time 1945-present
TRANSCRIPT
Fear = Loss of American Valueswill destroy our nation!
COMMUNISTWILL TAKE US OVER!
Other nations have the a-bomb!
Blacks Want equal
Rights!
Women Aren’tCooking dinner
They’re @ Work!
Teenagers!Are
Out-of-control!
ForeignersAre in
Our Country!
Objectives: 1950s
Bring back LAW & ORDER!
Create safe environments for the children!Raise the children correctly…prevent WWIII
BE THE BEST AMERICA EVER!
"The ideal modern woman married, cooked and cared for her family,
kept herself busy by joining the local PTA and
leading a troop of Campfire Girls. She
entertained guests in her family's suburban house and worked out on the trampoline to keep her
size 12 figure."
- Life magazine, 1956
Women in the 1950sTraditional role of homemaker
Postwar emphasis was on having babies and creating a family -Gov’t studies say eventually the Soviets will outnumber Americans
= BABY BOOM!!
“A good mother should stay home to take care of her children”
“Set your sights on a happy home, a host of friends and a bright future through success in HIS job.”
After the War = Soldiers used Government loansto move out of the chaotic cities.
Did American paranoiabuild the suburbs?
Life in the Suburbs•Mass production of simple and similar looking homes•Move to the suburbs to avoid crime and congestion of city•Viewed as a move up to a better life•Affordable •Suburbs = American dream in 1950s
•Own your own home•Send your kids to good schools•Live in a safe neighborhood•Enjoy economic security
1950sMass Media’s Influence on Culture?
• Print media, films, and television shows re-enforced:
– Gender Roles (how men act, how women act)
– Proper American Values
– Desirable Family Dynamic.
Median Age of 1st MarriageDate:
-1890
-1910
-1920
-1950
-1980
-1995
-2000
Men:- 26- 25- 25- 22- 25- 27- 27
- # of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970
Women:- 22- 22- 21- 20- 22- 25- 25
- # of Single 30-34 yrs olds = tripled since 1970
Gender Roles:“The Importance of
Learning Home Economics”
American Values:“Mind your Manner”
Family Values:“American Values 1949”
Beatnik:
Mostly white artists who felt “beat down” by American culture. Looked for alternative lifestyles
Father Knows Best 1950s
Middle ClassDad works, Mom at homeParents = very involved
Kids = very respectful = whole houserevolves around the children
WHY is it like this?
Reflecting the social
pressures of the 1950s
to be the ideal family
Fight communism by
being perfect Americans
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