Summary
For many of us who came from broken families, watching television gave us an illusion of what family life was supposed to look like. Yes, I said, an illusion, because family life in most cases was portrayed through rose-colored glasses. Didn’t Mom really vacuum the home in high heels, A cocktail dress, and pearl clutches around her neck? Didn’t families always sit down at the dinner table with coats and ties, and fashionable clothing for the ladies?
Here are some key points:
Why They Taught Values
- Cultural Context: Post-World War II America emphasized stability, family unity, patriotism, and conformity. The media reflected and reinforced these ideals.
- Regulatory Influence: The Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code) and later TV standards required content to avoid immorality and promote “wholesome” messages.
- Advertiser Expectations: Sponsors wanted programming that aligned with mainstream values to appeal to family audiences.
Common Themes
- Family and Community: Shows like Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best portrayed idealized family life, teaching respect, honesty, and responsibility.
- Law and Order: Westerns (Gunsmoke, Bonanza) and crime dramas emphasized justice, courage, and moral clarity.
- Patriotism and Duty: War films and series frequently highlight the importance of sacrifice and loyalty to one’s country.
- Gender Roles: Programs reinforced traditional roles—men as providers, women as homemakers—though this began to shift in the late 1960s.
Entertainment + Education
While the primary goal was entertainment, the underlying narrative often carried lessons about:
- Right vs. wrong
- Respect for authority
- Hard work and perseverance
- Community cooperation
Cultural Shifts: Counterculture & Social Movements
- The Impact of the 1960s was carried into the 1970s by the civil rights movement, feminism, anti-war protests, and youth counterculture.
- Result: TV and film began questioning authority, traditional family roles, and moral absolutes. Stories became more complex and less idealized.
Themes & Tone
- From Idealism to Realism: The transition shows from portraying the ‘perfect family’ to depicting life in a more authentic and gritty manner, reflecting the societal changes and challenges of the time.
- Social Issues on Screen: Topics such as racism, gender equality, poverty, and political Corruption Have appeared in mainstream media.
- Example: All in the Family addressed issues of race, sexism, and generational conflict.
- Anti-Heroes & Ambiguity: Films like Taxi Driver and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest featured flawed protagonists, reflecting societal disillusionment.
Film Industry Changes
- End of the Hays Code (1968): Replaced by the MPAA rating system, allowing more freedom in depicting sex, violence, and controversial topics.
- Rise of New Hollywood: The end of the Hays Code in 1968 and the rise of New Hollywood marked a significant shift in the film industry. Directors like Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg brought auteur-driven storytelling, experimenting with style and narrative to create distinctive films. This period saw the emergence of films that were more daring in their content and style, reflecting the changing societal norms and values.
- Blockbuster Era Begins: Jaws (1975) and Star Wars (1977) introduced high-concept, big-budget films that dominated the box office.
Television Evolution
- Norm-Challenging Sitcoms: MASH*, Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Good Times blended humor with commentary on war, feminism, and race.
- Made-for-TV Movies: Networks used these to address hot-button issues like addiction, domestic violence, and teen pregnancy.
- Cable TV Emergence: The launch of HBO in 1972 marked a significant milestone, opening the doors to niche programming and less censorship, ushering in a new era in television.
Technology & Audience
- Color TV became standard, enhancing visual appeal.
- Remote controls and VCRs gave viewers more control, shifting power away from networks.