Chapter 15: The Postwar Era
Connecting to the Chapter
As you read in Chapter 19 (pages 634-663), you will see that in the 1950s television entertainment included children’s shows such as the "Lone Ranger" and "The Mickey Mouse Cub’ and situation comedies such as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" for the whole family. Most sitcoms were set in suburban living locations.
Writing Directions
Today, as in the 1950s, television reflects the values, concern, and attitudes of society. First, Read Fat Guys and Hot Wives. Then, watch the television program(s) assigned by your teacher in the classroom and compare it with a television sitcom about an American family today. Your choices for today's show are to watch either the Gillmore Girls (WB Tuesday at 8pm), The King of Queens (CBS, Mondays, 8 p.m.) or repeats of Everybody Loves Raymond or Home Improvement. Answer the following questions after you watch the episode using what you have learned on pages 652-660 and in the lecture about suburban lifestyles in 1950s and what you know about today's world.
a. summarize the episode (both from class show and on tv now)
b What are some typical activities the whole family takes part in? just the
children? just the adults?
c. What are the roles and responsibilities of the husband? of the wife?
d. What are the problems and concerns of parents? of children?
e. What are the attitudes of parents toward children? of toward adults?
f. Are African Americans and other minorities represented? If so how?
g. In what ways does this show present a realistic/unrealistic picture of family
life in the 1950s/Today?
4. Analysis In a paragraph, using the information the you have collected in letters A-G, compare what you have learned about women’s roles and suburban family life in the 1950s with what you know and have seen on television about about family life today. Identify at least three differences between life styles in 1950s and today.
