Propaganda Of The 1920s Essay

This essay investigates the question: To what extent was the advertising, content, and propaganda of the 1920s media responsible for the change in behavior and role of women concerning their appearance and dress in the US? Throughout the essay, the topic of mass communications and its effect, particularly on women, will be explored, supported by a number of primary and secondary sources. Quotes and advertisements from the 1920s will be referenced and analyzed as well. The investigation begins with an analysis of the effects of the war on the changes of behavior among women, arguing that the postwar effects contributed most considerable to changes (as an opposition). Following this will be claims supporting the media’s effects on changing perceptions of beauty and rising consumerism behavior among women. This investigation concludes …show more content…
The question of whether the media created changes in society or whether it was simply a reflection is important to study because it provides insight into the role media had in the society and investigates the culmination of events that produced the “Modern Woman”. But more than that, it investigates the effects of the portrayal of a free, young, vibrant lady on the rest of society. The majority of women remained where they were, working at a job, or working for their families. While their livelihood may not have changed to a large extent, their lifestyle did. And though many did not become Hollywood movie stars or flappers, the media provided a vast form of communication that reached every household through magazines, advertising and movies. The post-war effects may have made it possible for the small percentage of women to embrace the “modern woman” lifestyle, but the media’s reflection of these girls is what changed the lives of the majority whom did