Flappers in the 20's ✭
World War 1 led to a significant loss of life and experience, influencing a sense of disillusionment that affected the younger generation which further prompted a desire to break free from the constraints of the past, emphasizing the overall importance of the event.
Flappers : Rebels from the 19th Century
The Roaring 20's serve as a turning point in history due to the major shift in American culture which includes industrialization, economic change but also the escalation in how women became leaders. More specifically, flappers defied societal norms by wearing short skirts, wearing excessive makeup, smoking & drinking. They worked to alter people's perspectives on women by going against traditional expectations. Still, many flappers were politically engaged: advocating for social and political change & marking significant change for women’s rights.
Despite many of the negative connotations linked to women during this time, their courage and bravery shined through, highlighting this year's theme.
Why Flappers?
Women who sought departure from conservative norms in previous years took inspiration from flappers and influenced them to also challenge societal norms because they were perceived as symbols of liberation and the changing status of women. Not only were flappers able to effectively impact women in the 19th century, but we still see their effects throughout modern times. Before the 1920s, women had typical jobs like cooking, cleaning, sewing and simply carrying the title of a “man’s wife” but as a result of World War One, women entered the workforce, gaining financial independence similarly to today. Women now pursue diverse careers, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering or mechanics and emphasizing the idea of self-sufficiency. The main factor motivating women to become flappers was the idea of rebellion and freedom. We still see the lingering effects in our society whether it is gender equality, reproductive rights or equal representation in the media.