June Cleaver : Femme Friend or Femme Foe

Martina · 10-27-2012, 07:51 PM

In fifties films, being a housewife wasn't just about housework and being limited to the private sphere. She was also supposed to help create a suburban man, who would make money so the family could consume more and who be committed to the family and the community. She brought the husband into the private sphere and changed him, domesticated him, rather than stepping out into the work world. It's kind of nauseating, but it was presented as a form of power.

I am not sure how it relates, but every time people talk about the housewife stereotype or list some of the characters, I am reminded of this. Think of Giant. Elizabeth Taylor actually causes her husband to reconsider his racism. She's not depicted as weak. In fact, Bick loses power in the family and in the world over time. But he's happy because he's got the love of a good woman and loving, if not entirely obedient, children.

There were some really subversive films -- not Giant. Ones where you really saw how restrictive suburban life and gender roles were. They weren't uncommon. Melodramas mostly.

Clearly Mrs. Cleaver isn't representative. But it's not all of one piece. There were other messages floating around. There was a struggle going on in real life that you could see in films. The 60's didn't just come out of nowhere.

ArkansasPiscesGrrl · 10-27-2012, 10:33 PM

Just wanted to stop by in here and thank you ALL for your words. reading the posts have brought tears to my eyes, and caused my breath to catch in my throat more times than I can count. To be able to hear all the ideas, FEEL the strength behind them, the pain, the power, the celebration, means more than I can ever say.

I am so very blessed to be a part of this community, and you all are my heroes!

APG

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10-27-2012, 07:51 PM	#1
Martina Senior Member How Do You Identify?: * Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: * Posts: 4,999 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,409 Thanked 18,284 Times in 4,167 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	In fifties films, being a housewife wasn't just about housework and being limited to the private sphere. She was also supposed to help create a suburban man, who would make money so the family could consume more and who be committed to the family and the community. She brought the husband into the private sphere and changed him, domesticated him, rather than stepping out into the work world. It's kind of nauseating, but it was presented as a form of power. I am not sure how it relates, but every time people talk about the housewife stereotype or list some of the characters, I am reminded of this. Think of Giant. Elizabeth Taylor actually causes her husband to reconsider his racism. She's not depicted as weak. In fact, Bick loses power in the family and in the world over time. But he's happy because he's got the love of a good woman and loving, if not entirely obedient, children. There were some really subversive films -- not Giant. Ones where you really saw how restrictive suburban life and gender roles were. They weren't uncommon. Melodramas mostly. Clearly Mrs. Cleaver isn't representative. But it's not all of one piece. There were other messages floating around. There was a struggle going on in real life that you could see in films. The 60's didn't just come out of nowhere.

10-27-2012, 10:33 PM	#2
ArkansasPiscesGrrl Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she, her Relationship Status: feeling pretty darned blissful right now! Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: central AR Posts: 856 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,594 Thanked 3,079 Times in 741 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	Just wanted to stop by in here and thank you ALL for your words. reading the posts have brought tears to my eyes, and caused my breath to catch in my throat more times than I can count. To be able to hear all the ideas, FEEL the strength behind them, the pain, the power, the celebration, means more than I can ever say. I am so very blessed to be a part of this community, and you all are my heroes! APG