1920s Popular Culture Societal Barriers are Diminished

At the Movies »During the 1920s people went to the movies about once a week »Movie theaters served as a social class equalizer  All tickets cost the same  All attendees were treated equal  People in Manhattan, NY saw the same movies as people in Manhattan, KS »During the 1920s people went to the movies about once a week »Movie theaters served as a social class equalizer  All tickets cost the same  All attendees were treated equal  People in Manhattan, NY saw the same movies as people in Manhattan, KS

Movies & Pop Culture »Gossip columnists wrote about movie stars’ loves, marriages, divorces, etc.  People were able to “know” the stars & feel a connection to them »Movies transformed people’s tastes & behaviors  Began to wear the same hairstyles & fashions as the stars »Gossip columnists wrote about movie stars’ loves, marriages, divorces, etc.  People were able to “know” the stars & feel a connection to them »Movies transformed people’s tastes & behaviors  Began to wear the same hairstyles & fashions as the stars

Then & Now a Comparison »Movies became a part of 1920s pop culture & influenced the everyday lives of Americans. How does this compare to today’s popular culture?

Sports in 1920s Pop Culture »Prior to the 1920s, tennis and golf were wealthy people’s sports.  Tennis & golf clubs were private & open only to those able to purchase a membership »By the late 1920s, municipal tennis courts & golf courses were opened for anyone who wished to play these sports. »How did this equalize society? »Prior to the 1920s, tennis and golf were wealthy people’s sports.  Tennis & golf clubs were private & open only to those able to purchase a membership »By the late 1920s, municipal tennis courts & golf courses were opened for anyone who wished to play these sports. »How did this equalize society?

Sporting Events »During the 1920s, people began to regularly attend sporting events.  It was an escape from everyday life  A place to gather with family & friends »Not only attended professional sporting events, but college sporting events became popular as well. »What are some similarities in today’s pop culture? »During the 1920s, people began to regularly attend sporting events.  It was an escape from everyday life  A place to gather with family & friends »Not only attended professional sporting events, but college sporting events became popular as well. »What are some similarities in today’s pop culture?

Professional Sports Heroes »Boxing: Jack Dempsey was the heavyweight champion. There were no other weight classes. »Swimming: Gertrude Ederle, 19 years old, swam the English Channel & beat the fastest man’s time.  The University of Arizona has produced some female Olympic swimming stars, can you name any? »Boxing: Jack Dempsey was the heavyweight champion. There were no other weight classes. »Swimming: Gertrude Ederle, 19 years old, swam the English Channel & beat the fastest man’s time.  The University of Arizona has produced some female Olympic swimming stars, can you name any?

Baseball & Segregation »Major League Baseball flourished in the 1920s. »The major league did NOT allow African Americans to play. »A separate Negro League answered this problem. »Major League Baseball would not be desegregated until »Baseball fans, who was the first African American to play in the MLB? »Major League Baseball flourished in the 1920s. »The major league did NOT allow African Americans to play. »A separate Negro League answered this problem. »Major League Baseball would not be desegregated until »Baseball fans, who was the first African American to play in the MLB?

Baseball Stars »Babe Ruth: played for the Boston Red Sox & was traded to the New York Yankees. Nickname: Sultan of Swat. »Oscar Charleston: career batting average of.348, regularly led the Negro League in home runs & stolen bases. Played for: Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Harrisburg Giants, Lincoln Stars, Philadelphia Hilldales, Homestead Grays, & Pittsburgh Crawfords. Played from »Babe Ruth: played for the Boston Red Sox & was traded to the New York Yankees. Nickname: Sultan of Swat. »Oscar Charleston: career batting average of.348, regularly led the Negro League in home runs & stolen bases. Played for: Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Harrisburg Giants, Lincoln Stars, Philadelphia Hilldales, Homestead Grays, & Pittsburgh Crawfords. Played from

Radio »First start in Detroit & Pittsburgh when the 1920 presidential election returns were broadcast. »By mid-1920s, almost every home had a radio. »Brought entertainment to peoples homes, radio shows consisted of dramas, comedies, music, & variety shows. »Advertising helped influence mass marketing. »First start in Detroit & Pittsburgh when the 1920 presidential election returns were broadcast. »By mid-1920s, almost every home had a radio. »Brought entertainment to peoples homes, radio shows consisted of dramas, comedies, music, & variety shows. »Advertising helped influence mass marketing.

Then & Now »Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting 1920s “pop culture” to today’s “pop culture”.