I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
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I Love Lucy is known as one of the most popular sitcoms of all time and reruns still continue to appear today. The show starred Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo, facing different predicaments that she had to work her way out of, but most importantly, it staged Lucy as a housewife. In each episode, Lucy was always dressed in a dress, full makeup and of course her pearls. She was portrayed at the "perfect housewife" whose job was to complete all of the household duties. Although Lucy did fulfill this role, she was always yearning to break free of that role in society and to break from the confines of her apron. This show could be considered part of the beginning of the women's movement.
As you can see in the above images, Lucy is always dressed in appropriate housewife attire. This helped in portraying the typical American housewife.
Leave it to Beaver (1957-1963)
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Leave it to Beaver was another sitcom that portrayed the iconic postwar family. It included the Cleaver family whose actions were driven by June and Ward's son, Theodore or "Beaver." Just like I Love Lucy, this show was based upon a typical American family that was dealing with everyday issues or facing everyday problems. June Cleaver, Beaver's mom, was also portrayed as the perfect housewife that belonged in the household. She was always dressed up in her best outfits and tended to the chores and family needs.
In the above clip from Leave it to Beaver, the piece portrays how the typical family was viewed in the 1950's. The kitchen was where June Cleaver belonged, as well as all other women, and the men belonged outside.
Ozzie and Harriet (1952- 1966)
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Ozzie and Harriet was also a sitcom of the 1950's that starred the Nelson family. This sitcom was particularly interesting because the characters in the show were actually a real-life family. This idea made the show a true "family affair." It portrayed the ups and downs of a family living in the 1950's, and of course starred Harriet as the ultimate homemaker and wife. Throughout the show, Harriet focused on raising her boys and caring for her husband. As years passed, her young boys continued to thrive because of her and eventually they were married. It can also be noted that Harriet was always dressed up in her proper "housewife" attire. She was featured in either a long dress or skirt, button-down blouse and full hair and makeup.
As you can see in this clip of Ozzie and Harriet, Harriet is featured as the perfect housewife, preparing and serving her husband and children. It can be noted that she is serving them rather than sitting at the table with them, which adds to this stereotype of a housewife. Ozzie claimed that she had cooked excellent meals when they first got married, so clearly she has been cooking and providing food for them for several years.
Father Knows Best (1954-1960)
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Father Knows Best was a classic sitcom of that 1950's that featured the Anderson's, a very wholesome family. Each family member had the stereotypical role that added to the idea of the "perfect family." This stereotype can be recognized through the way Margaret was portrayed. She was always there for the children, and repeatedly took care of her husband when he returned home from work each day. Just like the previous housewives described, Margaret always presented herself in her best attire. She was known as very wise, comforting, and supportive of her family and their needs.
In the above pictures, Margaret Anderson is always dressed up and proper, no matter what she was doing. There is a photo of her serving her family, which was exactly what the ideal mother was supposed to do. In the above clip, this features Margaret tending to her husband, whom she obviously cares for.
References:
http://www.examiner.com/article/25-fun-i-love-lucy-facts-and-trivia-video
http://www.tv.com/shows/i-love-lucy/trivia/
https://www.google.com/search?q=i+love+lucy+pictures&source
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050032/trivia
http://www.tv.com/shows/leave-it-to-beaver/trivia/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sam9wP_uMEA
http://www.biography.com/people/harriet-nelson-222415
http://www.polarblairsden.com/tvadvozzie.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_KgKiA7Ew
http://www.startday.com/television/top-10-father-knows-best-trivia-facts
http://www.debate.org/reference/father-knows-best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O64pR4IfYB0
http://www.examiner.com/article/25-fun-i-love-lucy-facts-and-trivia-video
http://www.tv.com/shows/i-love-lucy/trivia/
https://www.google.com/search?q=i+love+lucy+pictures&source
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050032/trivia
http://www.tv.com/shows/leave-it-to-beaver/trivia/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sam9wP_uMEA
http://www.biography.com/people/harriet-nelson-222415
http://www.polarblairsden.com/tvadvozzie.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_KgKiA7Ew
http://www.startday.com/television/top-10-father-knows-best-trivia-facts
http://www.debate.org/reference/father-knows-best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O64pR4IfYB0