The Decline of Victoria Ideals in Manhood and Womanhood During the transition into the 19th centuries, a push and pull between what previously was the “New Israel” versus the “New Canaan” changes to American pop culture versus Victorian ideals. Because of popular culture, Victorian ideals of manhood and womanhood underwent challenges and transformation to produce what many people accept today as true womanhood and true manhood. By looking at different sources, including Tarzan of the Apes, the film “The Face in the Crowd”, as well as other reliable sources, the shifts in gender roles and power between the man and women can be seen apparent. The tension was created between Victorian ideals which supported men being alpha and strong,
…show more content…
In the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, there was a boom in technology and in machinery. As pop culture put a greater value on these things, people began to put those values ahead of other values, such as those of the Victorians. It was believed that this was the very reason for the decline in masculinity of men and the femininity of women. Men became more and more reliant upon those resources, such as technology and machinery in means to get their agendas done in society, while women became more and more independent due to the newly found technologies and machines. Burroughs believed that men were becoming increasingly lazy, while women were being further empowered through the rise of technology and machinery.One example that clearly shows the rise of women individualism and empowerment can be found looking at the bicycle. In the early 19th century, there was a women’s movement that led to many women rising up for their own empowerment. Women became increasingly sexualized, masculine, and active out in society as they became more involved with sports, outdoor activities and popular media, one in particular, the bicycle. The invention of the bicycle for women was the start of independence and individuality. It was a means of transportation for women but also a statement of “I am my own person”. Many believed that the bicycle in the hands of the women was immoral. Women increasingly became more active, directly in link with the decline of the mother role for women. They were individuals who were no longer bound to their homes and their duties, but rather able to enjoy leisure and activities, just like
In the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, there was a boom in technology and in machinery. As pop culture put a greater value on these things, people began to put those values ahead of other values, such as those of the Victorians. It was believed that this was the very reason for the decline in masculinity of men and the femininity of women. Men became more and more reliant upon those resources, such as technology and machinery in means to get their agendas done in society, while women became more and more independent due to the newly found technologies and machines. Burroughs believed that men were becoming increasingly lazy, while women were being further empowered through the rise of technology and machinery.One example that clearly shows the rise of women individualism and empowerment can be found looking at the bicycle. In the early 19th century, there was a women’s movement that led to many women rising up for their own empowerment. Women became increasingly sexualized, masculine, and active out in society as they became more involved with sports, outdoor activities and popular media, one in particular, the bicycle. The invention of the bicycle for women was the start of independence and individuality. It was a means of transportation for women but also a statement of “I am my own person”. Many believed that the bicycle in the hands of the women was immoral. Women increasingly became more active, directly in link with the decline of the mother role for women. They were individuals who were no longer bound to their homes and their duties, but rather able to enjoy leisure and activities, just like