bradsaptblog

The idea I want to discuss here is actually one of the very first things talked about in the book. I was surprised when I read about how unhappy many women were in the 1950's. In retrospect, it seems that many tout those times as simple, and great. Everything about the 50's seems happy and content, for example, the dad went to work, the mom cooked and cleaned, and the kids went to school...the end. I guess the 'Leave it to Beaver' syndrome wasnt all it seemed cracked up to be. I do see Rosen's point however when I look at the situation more in depth. It would be unfortunate and frustrating if my life was already mapped out for me as a servent to my spouse and children. Sure, life would probably be less stressful, but what if I wanted more for myself, I probably wouldnt be allowed dream. Rosen then goes on to discuss the impact that The Feminine Mystique had on society. The book gave women a sense of hope, and told them that they did not have to live the life of their mothers, that there was a world out there as open to them as any man. I found an interesting parellel between feminism and the civil rights movement; I believe the civil rights argument was tougher to win, because black people did make up a very small percentage of the population, and for most the entire thing played out on their TV sets, not their streets. But women on the other hand are at a much large abundence. Most grown men had a wife, so the social changed happened within the confines of their own homes. But I think Im getting ahead of myself. Allow me to reiterate that it surprised me how unhappy many females were in the 1950's, a time in American history that seemed to peaceful and innocent.

-Brad