The late 1950s was an important year for feminists as it was a transition from the first wave to the second. Although there were no major gains for women in the 1950s, notable works were published such as , “The Second Sex” and “ The Feminine Mystique”. A notable form of art that was blacklisted in the era and is known as a classic is the film, Salt of the Earth. This film has inspired an underground audience of union workers and feminists. Comparing and contrasting the character Donna Reed in the tv sitcom Donna Reed Show with Esperanza Quintero in the film Salt of the Earth, both characters switch gender roles with their spouses. On the other hand, Donna Reed fails outside of the concept of Feminine Mystique while Esperanza does not. Donna
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This problem was the unhappiness they felt in their “role” of being a housewife. Friedman encourages women to seek fulfillment outside of the house either by working or volunteering somewhere (Friedrich). This “problem” that Friedrich discusses in her book is not illustrated in the Donna Reed show. Although she wants to prove her husband and son wrong about being capable of “surviving the rigors of the forest”, ultimately at the end of the episode, she gives in and understands that she is happier in what she does best: being a housewife (The Donna Reed Show). On the other hand, this “problem” is seen in Salt of the Earth. Taking into account that the film is a true story, this film shines light on the issue that Friedrich hide in her book. “the problem that has no name” did not only apply to white middle class women, but also women of different race and class. Esperanza Quintero is unhappy by the maltreatment of her husband as well as her domestic duties. As the film progresses and the Taftley Act was passed, she took the initiative to strike with the other miner’s wive and become part of a revolution. Her participation in the strike and eventually winning at the end, was symbolically fulfilling her need in fighting for her family and the future of her
This problem was the unhappiness they felt in their “role” of being a housewife. Friedman encourages women to seek fulfillment outside of the house either by working or volunteering somewhere (Friedrich). This “problem” that Friedrich discusses in her book is not illustrated in the Donna Reed show. Although she wants to prove her husband and son wrong about being capable of “surviving the rigors of the forest”, ultimately at the end of the episode, she gives in and understands that she is happier in what she does best: being a housewife (The Donna Reed Show). On the other hand, this “problem” is seen in Salt of the Earth. Taking into account that the film is a true story, this film shines light on the issue that Friedrich hide in her book. “the problem that has no name” did not only apply to white middle class women, but also women of different race and class. Esperanza Quintero is unhappy by the maltreatment of her husband as well as her domestic duties. As the film progresses and the Taftley Act was passed, she took the initiative to strike with the other miner’s wive and become part of a revolution. Her participation in the strike and eventually winning at the end, was symbolically fulfilling her need in fighting for her family and the future of her