The 1950s were a prosperous era in our country’s history—marked by economic growth, technological advances, and cultural change. The American Dream permeated the US ethos as young men returned home from WWII, married, bought houses, and started families. But behind this veil of optimism and peace, the golden decade had drawbacks. Here are 15 things that spoiled this seemingly perfect time.
Rigid Gender Roles
Men went to work, and women stayed home to cook, clean, and raise children. This was the norm for many US families following the war. Since uniformity drove the 1950s, society rejected anything different. However, the following decade gave rise to acceptance, equality, and opportunity, all underpinnings of the cultural revolution. Women began to challenge traditional roles.
Conservatism
The prevailing ideologies of 1950s America were rooted in conservative views. The nuclear family was paramount, being a Christian was virtuous, and anything aimed to dismantle these sacred institutions was deemed Godless. Fear of the unknown or alternative ideologies reinforced this conservative way of life. Communism and Rock ‘n’ Roll were enemies of traditional Christian values. This myopic worldview propagated a revolution of new ideas that the 1960s and the counterculture would later embrace.
Capitalism and Consumerism
The 1950s were a time of economic prosperity. Families had money they were willing to spend, and companies wanted to exploit this new demand. Capitalism, a financial system where private businesses controlled aspects of production based on supply and demand, became the reigning principle. In a capitalistic society, a company seeks to maximize revenue while minimizing costs. Unfortunately, the free market allowed predatory behavior, and many people at the top benefited at the expense of average consumers.
Communist Witch Hunts
Anxiety circulated the American consciousness as the clash between superpowers penetrated all aspects of life. In the political arena, senators began accusing others of being communists who aimed to disrupt the democratic institution. One senator from Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, accused many leaders of treason based on false claims. The fear was so palpable that the newly instated Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) even wiretapped suspected figures.
Segregation
Even though the Civil War ended slavery nearly half a century ago, Black people continued to be marginalized and subjected to intense racism. Xenophobia was rampant as many institutions like schools and private businesses enforced segregation policies. The sentiment “separate but equal” coursed throughout America, fueling social unrest that would eventually spark the Civil Rights movement. This was a dark time in our country’s past.
Corruptive Rock ‘n’ Roll
In the 1950s, a new style of music caught on like wildfire among teenagers. Called “Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the music glorified dancing, parties, and fast cars. Artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis became popular with the new generation. Parents were concerned that the new music would corrupt their children and lead them to break out of the rigid mold the 1950s sought to keep them encased in.
Birth of Suburbia
Following WWII, citizens were eager to chase the American Dream. Couples got married, purchased homes, and began having children. Many white families who benefited most from the economic prosperity began leaving urban areas and moving into suburbs, a residential area characterized by uniform houses packed neatly in subdivisions. Partly fueled by discrimination in what would become known as “White Flight,” families populated these areas and exacerbated racial and economic inequality that many minority groups still struggle with today.
Cold War
The US and Soviet Union emerged from WWII as economic and military superpowers. Ahead of many nations, the two allied forces became entrenched in a race to build military power and become the first to reach the moon. Tensions were high, as both feared being attacked by the other. Uncertainty and anxiety underlined many aspects of 1950s life. The destruction of the world seemed imminent, and some people built bomb shelters in preparation.
Korean/Vietnam War
In 1950, a civil war on the Korean peninsula broke out between the North and South as their provisional governments fought to take control of the area. Essentially, it was a proxy war fought between the democracy-backed US and communist-backed Russia and China. The Vietnam War followed a similar pattern of proxy conflict. Yet, while the US became involved in foreign affairs, at home, many civilians disapproved of the war, sparking protests across the country.
Decolonization
The phrase “The sun never sets on the British Empire” demonstrated the omnipotent power held across multiple continents as they claimed ownership of colonized land. After decades of colonial rule over indigenous populations, many European countries, including Great Britain, began to withdraw from their colonies in the 1950s. However, the damage proved irreversible, and the mistreatment of native people and resources caused many new nations to endure decades of civil war following their liberation.
Racial Discrimination
Until the Civil Rights movement ignited, being Black in America was extremely difficult. Even though slavery had ended almost half a century ago, Black people continually faced discrimination. Many businesses turned away customers based on their skin color, and Black people did not have the same opportunities and respect as white people. Decades of gradual change began to dismantle systemic racial inequality, giving respect to all people, but it’s a battle still being fought today.
Health-Unconscious
During the middle of the 20th century, smoking was ubiquitous. Everybody seemed to smoke tobacco cigarettes. You saw it in movies and on television. You could even smoke on an airplane! While many people enjoyed the nicotine buzz, they were unaware of smoking’s long-term health risks, including lung cancer and heart disease. A broad public service campaign eventually informed the masses and changed their position on smoking.
Mental Health Stigma
If you had mental health issues in the 1950s, proper treatment and care were unlikely. The public attitude towards mental health was unsupportive and based on fear. People lacked knowledge and understanding, and many who struggled with mental health were incarcerated in mental asylums where treatment was far from humane. Some patients received electroshock therapy! Many of the treatment methods at the time caused more harm than good.
Unequal Opportunity for Women
Despite stepping up to fill the jobs of war-drafted men during World War II, women didn’t have the same career opportunities as men. Their careers were limited to jobs such as nurses, secretaries, and teachers, with limited opportunities for advancement. It was also common for women to earn significantly less than men. Women were also discouraged from pursuing higher education and political appointments.
Sexual Oppression
During the 1950s, talking openly about sex was taboo. People only talked about it behind closed doors. Unfortunately, these views led to widespread misinformation about sex. The public also disapproved of any alternative views on sexuality, such as homosexuality. In 1953, Hugh Hefner started Playboy magazine, which featured pictures of nude women. Although the publication objectified women, it was a stepping stone toward the sexual liberation of the ’60s.
