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Flappers In The 1930's Essay

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Flappers In The 1930's Essay
During the time period of the 1890s up until the 1930s Americans experienced change like never before. This new era was different from the traditional American lifestyle in every way, it was much more modern and much less conservative than previous generations. Within the adaptation of this era and its indulgences, Americans gained new senses of personal freedom and the sexual revolution rose into full effect. Some of the main driving forces behind this new modern era would of course be the changes in transportation mechanisms and introductions of social groups like the “Flappers”.
One transportation mechanism that revolutionized society were airplanes. First off, the use of airplanes was in its beginning stages during this time period. During
…show more content…
Contrary to popular belief, a Flapper was not only a piece of French clothing, but also a lifestyle led by many young women in this time period. It was the ultimate change of the average woman. The clothing worn by Flapper women was seen as very “risqué”. They wore skirts that displayed their ankles and calves and usually left their arms bare, which was very controversial to the more traditional groups of Americans as they were said to be showing “too much” skin. They also participated in what was then seen as “un-lady like” behaviors such as: drinking, smoking, listening to jazz (which already had a bad reputation), and riding bicycles. Though to earlier generations these women were seen as “unintelligent” and “reckless”, the media (newspapers, magazines, and radio) embraced this movement. In fact, magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue started because of this movement, and also theaters became much more popularized with more than 80% of Americans going to the cinema each week. Though there were many clubs, like the anti-flirt club, against the sexual revolution and the Flappers, their ways are very much so apart of American lifestyle in present day and time. This new modern era was the beginning of life as we know it today. Many of the things that were then viewed as luxuries, we now take for granted because they have always been a part of our everyday lives and routines.

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