Changes During the 1950s - Essay Example

1. More than 50% of adult US residents were homeowners in the late 1940s.
2. Which of the following cultural attitudes prevalent in the 50s were reflected in the film Marty (Mann)? A, b, c & d.
3. Which of all the material changes in US society during the 50s encouraged and subsidized the move to the suburbs? C, d & e.

In the film Marty, the main character’s mother represents the old-aged parents during the 1950s who become dependent on their children for their basic needs when they are not able anymore to support themselves. She reflects on the value of extended families as well as the negative effects it has on the other members of the family. For instance, when Marty took his own mother under his roof, he was expected to take care of her. Eventually, she became a hindrance to Marty and Clara’s relationship as she showed her dislike for the lady. As explained in the video clip, Marty’s mother perhaps was more concerned about her future than her son’s relationship. She feared how she would go about her life if Marty got married. This is also emphasized by the words of her sister who is a widow when she sought Marty’s mother’s companionship. She asked what her sister would do if her son, Marty got married. Therefore, in addition, Marty’s mother also represents the old-aged loners, not only the singles but separated, divorced, or widowed wives as well who would know and understand the difficulties people with similar circumstances undergo. In response to this character, Marty’s mother became like his son in the story who bore the burden of having a family living with him/her. The woman also portrays the fears of those approaching old age as they think about their children having their own families. They worry about who would take care of them when they would be sick or helpless. Perhaps for one reason, Marty’s mother agreed to the request of her sister because she made sense in saying that in case Marty was to marry, they would be there for each other. It is also possible that she considered her because she wants to do to others as she would want them to do, knowing that she is in a similarly dire situation as her sister.

It is ridiculous to consider how prejudiced people have been during the 1950s. I always thought that racism was the worst during those times but knowing about how people looked at unmarried men, it just strikes me as senseless. The portrayal of the relationship between Marty and Angie is an effect of the prejudice that happened during that time. Being single at an age when they were supposed to be raising children, perhaps Angie considered himself made for his male friends who had the same dilemma which is why he acted strangely towards Marty. It could also be possible that he felt jealous of Marty or threatened that soon, his friend will be leaving him when his relationship with Clara gets serious. If I were to base my judgment on the way he looked at Marty when he saw him with Clara, I say Angie is gay.

The above comments about Mrs. Piletti are illuminating. I never thought of Marty and her being Italian until I read this. Indeed, she portrays the general characteristics of the women of her own culture. I watched the film, “The Godfather” where I learned most of the things I know about Italians, and indeed, they are greatly concerned about family connections. They take care of their own but they can also harm them if they prove to be a threat to the greater number of the family.

The main characters in the story like Marty and Clara, show how people of their ages and situations have reacted in general terms. As a bachelor in his mid-30s, Marty was reluctant in courting Clara but he also knew that he had to if he wanted to have his own family. Likewise, Clara showed how women her age might have been desperate enough to find someone to marry. Marty was a butcher while she was a college graduate but this difference did not matter to her. I think she would have said yes if Marty asked her to marry him at that time.