REFLECTIONS:
I think so far in the year, the valedictory unit was my absolute favorite. It was difficult to come up with a theme and really showcase my interests and skills I've learned this past year. Once I had an idea, it sparked into something greater and I was really pleased with what I came up with. By looking at the pictures, you can tell that each photograph was shot from a different time period. If you don't know me well, I LOVE anything vintage. When I was younger, my family introduced me to older shows, movies, and musicals. I began to analyze the history, fashion, hairstyles, and culture of each decade. I think it's important to show that each decade was influenced by major events that changed and effected America and the world.
1920s:
I wanted to show a "scandalous" expression. The 1920's was a period of rebirth. They wanted to celebrate and have a party after the war. Women were receiving the right to vote, they were learning wild dances, smoking, and drinking. The 1920's had it's own language and I wanted to show that through this project by using text. Prohibition was a huge deal then and they wanted to keep it concealed and private. I chose this specific picture because she looks surprised and part of the culture was embracing new ideas, which many of traditionalists were against.
1930's:
Historically, the Great Depression is one of the most difficult times for America, a period where money was scarce and people had to "make do" with what they had. When president Roosevelt was elected, he set forth a goal for America. He believed it was possible to regain ground and prosper for a better future. People were starving and jobless. They had to provide for their growing families and Roosevelt wanted to give them hope, regardless of the country's poverty.
1940's:
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, America was fully involved in the war. Not only were the men a huge part in defeating the enemy, but the women provided the many weapons and tools used to tear them down. Women had to take on roles that no man could even imagine. They felt it was their duty to fully take the responsibility by providing for their family and gaining assurance that their service would help the soldiers at war.
1950's:
This decade was another celebration period, recovering from the war. The fashions really began to change as well as the music, technology, foods, and the media. Everyone wanted the ideal family: husband, house, 3.5 kids. Women were expected to be happy little house wives, cleaning the laundry, making dinner, and to discipline the kids while the husband was at work. Women were utilized as objects and Marilyn Monroe demonstrated how a women should be. "A women should be in the house doing what women do". This decade sparked many ideas and lead to the women's rights movement.
1960's:
The 60's was a very influential decade. Between the early 60's to the late 60's there is quite a gap of differences in the fashion. The British Invasion, Vietnam War, the Kennedies, and so many other events shaped this decade.
1970's:
This decade was a "free spirt" period. Drugs were being over used and new diseases were being discovered. A lot of Americans were angered by the involvement in the war in Vietnam. They wanted to keep America safe.
