1. In a way you could call a woman in the 1920’s a “New Woman” because the roles had slightly changed. Women were working more and had more responsibility. In a way they changed and were considered to play more significant roles. ”Contemporaries in the 1920’s either celebrated or condemned what was widely viewed as a female sexual revolution” (493). . Women were using high tech appliances that they had never seen before, and they were introduced to different things such as perfume and cosmetics to indulge themselves. Women were changing a lot in the way they looked and acted. Also the idea of female sexuality was being increased and women were acting more independent and free. This all was a newer and more modern version of what women became.
2. During the 1920’s things were changing for women in politics, “women from all groups were now prepared to make women’s votes count” (482). White women formed the League of Women Voters in which they educated others about politics and tried to teach other women had to be the right citizens. However they were having problems because “before national suffrage was achieved a great many women equally excluded form this basic right of citizenship” (483). Women were more interested in less important things than politics which stood in the way. Class and gender was a big problem because African American women separated from the White women. They felt that the White women were not supporting them, therefore there was a separation.
3. The picture on page 499 is actually very sad. There is so much struggle and sadness coming through this woman’s eyes that you know she is going through a difficult time in her life. She has both of her children on her shoulders, and it looks like they are crying. The great depression was a horrible time for people. It says that this family had been “living on frozen vegetables and birds that the children killed” (499). It seems as though this woman is struggling to do whatever she can for her families survival. People did whatever they can to find some food and feed their children during this difficult time.
4. In the beginning of the World War women did not have any rights to work. Then in mid-1942, when the men got drafted, new opportunities started opening up for female war workers. Women became a big part of the war because they were being used for propaganda campaigns such as “The More Women at Work the Sooner We’ll Win” (page 510). “Women responded eagerly to expanded job opportunities, not just in defense industries but in other sectors of the economy as well. (510). Women were now seen as more important in society and it seems as the stereotype for females was beginning to change. And the “defense work did improve women’s economic situation” (510). However it was not the same for African American women. People did not want to hire black women until they were very desperate for a worker. There was mixed feelings about everyone. People began hiring Chinese women, since their main enemies were Japanese people, they had no problems with Chinese. As for Mexican American people, they had a big advantage because since people were so desperate for workers, they did not care if people were legal or not in the country. Women worked a lot during the war, but once it ended that did not last long. “Surveys of women working during the war indicated that a significant number had hoped to continue to work outside the home after the war” (517). But that wasn’t the case because they were mostly laid off.
2 comments:
PR#1
Hey Lusinee. I read your blog and I think it was very similar to mine. THe roles of women for new woman changed their lives significantly. Reading your answer I see that I forgot to mention that now women were using new high tech appliances, but I think the most important aspect of new woman was the idea of having new sexual experiences and political input. These were very important and risky things for women. FOr the second question, I totally agree with you. I mentioned the League of Women Voters as well. I like how you incorporate different quotes, you use them very nicely and in place. As for the picture, I think its obvious what we see. A lonely woman who is not able to take care of her children, and is not of high class. This is exteremly saddening to see the different lifestyles of those who made it through the depression and those who couldn't. Women in war totally broke the barriers of stereotyping against women. It was very difficult for them to be accepted into the war as mechanics or pilots, however, they made their way into this "man's world" and made a name for themselves. You answered your questions in full detail and you did a good job!
PR #2
Tatevik, I agree with you when you say that "the most important aspect of new woman was the idea of having new sexual experiences and political input." I believe these women were the "flappers" that I heard so much about through this assignment. These flappers were instrumental for moving the culture of women away from the household and into their own free world. And in this free world, women were consumers, sexually free, and enjoyed the leisurely-filled life.
For question #2, I think the main instigator of the difficulties women faced was the lack of a general agenda. Since women have were separated by class, race, age and ideology, they were unable to take the much need leap into greater issues. Had they been more collective about it, I feel that they could have done more for women in terms of freedom and choice.
In question #4, Lusine had a lot to say in regards to how stereotypes against women were challenged and reinforced. I did not see the racial aspect to this question. Lusine mentioned that Chinese were included in the war since they had hatred against the Japanese. I did not realize this until I read the blog.
Post a Comment