Disneyland Popular Culture

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The idealization of Victorian values began in the eighteenth century with the wealthy upper-class. Victorians were classified as the elite that partook in aristocratic fun. They participated in military sports, organized theater, fine arts, and classical music. As the years progressed, the middle-class emerged, modernizing Victorian principles. Their careers comprised of successful business men, skilled craftsman, and politicians. The elite men were White, Anglo- Saxon, Protestants, that produced and regulated the industrialization of popular culture. The Victorian middle-class was considered the most powerful group from the 1830’s- 1916. Victorians cultivated the consumer revolution, by purchasing luxuries, including, books, mirrors, furnishings, …show more content…

Popular Culture “attempted to depict America as a wholesome, religious, democratic, family-oriented society. (Professor Abnet)” America inspired Walt Disney’s envision of Disneyland, Walt stated on Disneyland’s Opening Day, “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A physically represents the embodiment of the 1950’s middle-class American dream, known as suburban America. Suburban development normalized “traditional” gender roles and longed for security in the consumer economy and family aspect. The new culture questioned sexuality, gender non-conformity, and the youth culture. The children’s board game Life and television show, The Honeymooners define men and women’s gendered roles in the glamorized American Dream. The Honeymooners portrays women as housewives that clean, cook, and care for the children. In contrast, the men are the breadwinners supporting the family. Women normally did not buy new popular culture products; it was the men. However, advertisements and television programs revolutionized the traditional belief, showcasing what American life should

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