There’s something about the late 50s and early 60s that appeals to me, at least in theory. I found the video below on the blog, The Apron Revolution and thought some of my readers might get a kick out of it. I especially enjoy seeing the houses, fashions, cars and architecture featured. I think one of the things that really stood out to me where how attractively dressed all the women were, even for a trip to the grocery store. I’ll bet no one back then could have even fathomed the concept of The People of Walmart.
Y'know, Deanna … these "documentaries" had about as much basis in fact and generalities as the Disney "nature" films of the day did. Honestly, I think they're at least as much about aspiration and idealization as they are about reality. Rosie the Riveter was told to go back to work in her home and with her apron on (I wonder if she lost her bulky arms), and a few short years later there were Stepford Wives who bought drugs by the barrel full so the women of the house could "sail through your day" on antidepressants.
Pretty? Yes. Absolutely. But real? Not as much as it seems.
What do you think?
Oh, definitely. Much of it was illusion. But I still enjoy seeing the houses and fashion of that time period. And even though I wasn't born until 1962, I still remember when people dressed up to go to the doctor or other appointments. And I always got a new pair of white gloves, a purse and sometimes a hat for Easter as a little girl. I think perhaps we've lost something by becoming so informal. Nothing seems special because everything is the same.
True – very very true. Extreme informality obliterates rites of passage too. (And do you have any idea how hard it is now to find a pretty hat that's not one size fits all?)