What We Really Miss about the 1950"s

I was really surprised when I read this essay about the 1950's. I must admit that I was always and individual who wanted to return to the 1950's where life seemed so simple and not so complex. I was startled to learn that the 1950's when compared to the 1980's and 1990's was actually worse socially. I had no idea that the country was still trying to recover from the 1930's depression and post WWII problems. It was disturbing to be reminded of civil rights violations against people because of their color and race. I would imagine that this discrimination also included religious values. I really believed that the 1950's were a wonderful time for the people of our country. It turns out it was a time of great growth and prosperity brought on by the government and private business.

I used to sit at the feet of my grandfather when he would talk about his experience in WWII. I was amazed at the appreciation he had for those men he served with, but even more impressed with his desire to be with his family. Even though the author hinted that the families were not completely ideal, I think some of them were. My grandfather believed in working to support his family, but when he was forced to chose between his family and work he would choose his family. I believe that through his example I formed my opinions of the 1950's, which consisted of strong family units and bonds. The author revealed some of her appreciation to the neighborhoods in suburbia where people formed bonds with those of similar aspirations. I still cling to this notion of strong families and strong neighbors.

I would have to agree with the author on her position with the media and some of the authority figures of the time. She mentioned that the media would not air commercials about milk in fear of offending the soda enterprises and that the psychologists of the time blamed the maternal caring of the young men as a weakness. The media played a huge part in determining how the 1950's were interpreted by anyone who looks in the past. The idea of the perfect family being portrayed on television was the center of it all. The author makes a tremendous revelation when she states that people watched the perfect family on television to forget about the troubles at home. Is not this the same practice of today? To find some relief from the daily troubles and to project ourselves into another time for peace from the daily grind. Overall I was really impressed with this essay.