Changing Women

 The feminine expectations of the 1950’s reflects the American culture of traditionalist beliefs. Women are expected to restrain themselves to the home and to their marriage. Their education and life outside of motherhood did not reflect them as a person. As seen in magazines and ads ,they are represented through homestyle responsibilities. A new fridge advertisement includes the stereotypical white women smiling ear to ear with an apron on. The perfect day starts with a woman preparing her home for her husband and children.  

Depictions of the 50’s is a “come to America” ad except you have to be white, you have to have money and you have to be a submissive woman. You would think that at such a progressive time for this country the lead employee would be valued but you would be wrong. During the war women were heavily relied on. They joined the workforce finding a purpose other than washing dishes and PTA meetings. Once the man returns from the war a woman is forced to return to her “position”. This is not only disrespectful but absolutely demeaning to a woman's character. With ads such as Van Huesen’s ad for ties labeled, “ Show her it's a man's world, simple aspects of life were turned into sexist subjects. 

Women were taken to school to learn how to be a housewife, deleting their potential for anything beyond that.  Although many have labeled the 50’s as the “happy days'', seeing life in a woman's perspective will say otherwise. 

As culture seems to be important to many, should former traditions change as our society moves forward. Allowing others to live their lives freely is important but should we allow others to practice sexist values? Today we see women breaking barriers and exceeding expectations but my question is, should today's traditional women be accepted or forced to change?