Stephanie Coontz analyzes the nostalgia of the 1950s in her essay "What We Really Miss About the 1950s." Throughout the essay she discusses that we often associate things with the 1950s that actually occurred in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She elaborates on the difficulty of the 50s and in the end states that it was a time when things were no longer getting worse, so it is often associated with a time of great progress.
I think it is quite interesting that so many look back on the shows of that time such as Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best with such nostalgia, although they do not accurately represent families during that time. Things were not always so simple and perfect. Times were especially difficult for minorites, women, and often children. I asked my gradma which era she preferred and she too chose the 50s. For her, it was a time of growth in her personal life as she was married and starting her family. She also had nostalgia and did not remember the hard times associated with that era, but the happiness of her own situation.
After reading this, I realize that I couldn't hack it in the 50s. I value my opportunity to get an education and have a career if I chose. Plus, I am not such a good cook and my sewing skills struggle...no way I could be the perfect wife!
In "Changing American Families," Judy Roote Aulette breaks down the social classes. Not only does she explain the ideals of each social class; she expands on classes within race and how they all interact. Judy explains gender roles along with each social class.
I was always happy growing up. My parents worked hard for what we had and gave us a good life. We always knew the value of hard work and that it would get us wherever we needed to be. It wasn't until later in school that I realized we weren't "upper class" as new homes were built in my neighborhood.
This essay brought to light that my family would be considered working-class by most. We bond as a family, all working together for individual success. My grandparents are a great example of this, as they cared for us so my parents could work. In return, my parents would help my grandparents around the house, in the yard, and finincially at times. Family time was just that, family time. My parents never brought work home with them or put projects above family activities. I enjoyed reading this piece because it made me take a deeper look at my family.
Strike In Geology
1 year ago
My grandparents did the same for my mother. She and my father seperated in the 80s. If it was not for my grandfather I often wonder where I would be now. I recieved a great amount of work ethics from him. Now we are helping him alot. He will turm 90 in July. I often think of it as a what comes around goes around situation. The article does make you look deeper in your own family.
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