1950s vs Today

When most people think of the 1950’s or 1960’s, they think of Elvis, Greasers, jukeboxes, Woodstock, and rainbow peace signs and hippie love. Although these symbols are somewhat accurate (and very popular), not many people think about the changes society and culture went through. The 1950’s and 60’s were a time of great change and freedom for many Americans. Everything from World War II, to the gay liberation movement, to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 helped to change society. Many of the views American’s had on topics such as war, gender roles and sexual preference were changed greatly after these events and have led to our culture being what it is today. The 1950’s and 1960’s were a time where great changes took place that helped to

As World War Two came to a close, a new American culture was developing all across the United States. Families were moving away from crowded cities into spacious suburban towns to help create a better life for them during and after the baby boom of the post-war era. Teenagers were starting to become independent by listing to their own music and not wearing the same style of clothing as their parents. Aside from the progress of society that was made during this time period, many people still did not discuss controversial issues such as divorce and sexual relations between young people. While many historians regard the 1950s as a time of true conservatism at its finest, it could really be considered a time of true progression in the

Life in the 1950's was a lot more simple, without all the complications brought about by today's fast pace.

Somebody once said, “Some days I wish I could go back in life. Not to change anything but to feel a few things twice.” Many people have written and communicated about memories and aspirations, while others are good and others are negative. Stephanie Coontz discus of the “myth” of the 1950s in her essay, “What We Really Miss about the 1950s.” Coontz has an extensive background in social and family issues and has written numerous books and also has engaged extensively on television. In the essay, she combines both her experience to create the ‘idealist’ perspective of the 1950s. The essay discusses the positives and negatives of the 1950s while the role the family played including the misconception that 1950s were good. The aim of the essay is to evaluate, discuss logos, ethos and pathos about Coontz essay.

How have the 1960s dramatically impacted and influenced today’s society? In today’s society, there are many controversial topics that we are facing today; we have the 1960s to thank for those things. The sixties was one of the most impactful decades pertaining to culture revolutions; it is the decade that brought into play some of the problems and privileges that the present is dealing with now. The sixties brought the gay movement, women’s rights, the drug revolution, and has also impacted music as well.

As Coontz corrilates "Still, I have no illusions that I'd actually go back to the 1950s , and neither do most people who express such occasional nostalgia" (Coontz, 28). The air that it held of being secure in ones job, future and family was something that everyone could take a security in. Even if that security wasn't something that would have essentailly come to them. People of minorities weren't treated fairly, neither were women. However the ideal of a white man in the 1950's, working and being able to live comfortably with a family and send his children to school was something that everyone wanted to attain, and still want to attain today.

The 1960s was crammed full of many impacting events and important figures. From Hitchcock releasing one of the greatest thrillers of all time, Psycho, to Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death, to the infamous Woodstock festival. This era changed history completely and made the United States think twice about its youth. Events of the 1960s are still impacting our country as we know it today. The sudden pull from the conservative ‘50s changed America’s views on all aspects of life, including fashion, entertainment, and lifestyles.

Historians tend to portray the 1950’s as a decade of prosperity, conformity, and consensus, and the 1960’s as a decade of turbulence, protest, and disillusionment. Do you agree or disagree with this view? Show evidence to support your argument.

The 1950s was a time of prosperity for many Americans. During this time the Cold War was occurring in which the threat of a nuclear bomb attack was looming over America and in addition, The Space Race against the Soviet Union was also occurring. The economy of America was doing well due to the amount of money that people had saved up during World War II and also because of the money that veterans were receiving from the government known as the GI Bill. Another booming thing that was occurring during the 1950s was the rate at which families were growing. Many people believed that they could not be happy if they were single and were also wanting to get married young so that they could avoid the “evils” of premarital sex. The booming economy

As mentioned earlier, during the 1950s people were more likely to compare themselves to their neighbors and community. There was limited forms of media that everyone saw on a mass scale so most class groups would read or watch the same movies, books, etc. People would look out their

There are many differences between the 1950s and modern day culture as illustrated by the

An award-winning writer and internationally recognized expert on the family, Stephanie Coontz, in her article, “What We Really Miss About The 1950’s,” states that “In a poll by the Knight-Ridder News Agency, more Americans chose the 1950’s than any single decade as the best time for children to grow up.” However, Coontz has her own view of the 1950s, and she illustrates her own opinions about this decade using strong and logical facts. While the nostalgia of the 1950s is vastly strong in some people, some fail to notice the negativity and the reality of it.

The 1950’s and the 1960’s was a time of change and evolution. It brought on the Civil Rights Movement. This was a very influential time period were these new ideas were incorporated into everyday life and they

The 1950’s were cookie cutter; there was usually a working father, a homemaker mother, and a couple of kids. Although women were working and had jobs in the 1950’s, after WWII many women still stayed home being a house wife if the husband’s income could afford it. If women had jobs, and the job was unnecessary they were considered selfish. Having a husband at this time was more important than having a job or a degree. Marriage in the 1950’s was highly based around religion. Pre-marital sex was considered unacceptable, and women were married at ages as low as nineteen (People & Events, 1).

There is quite a big difference in families from the 1960’s, and the families of today. Many of the changes from back in 1960 have to do with the parents and keeping family together. These differences have changed since then and will