Thanks to a reference at the Comics Curmudgeon, I've just realised that I ought to be looking into Blondie comics from 1930-1933. Seriously, check out the Wikipedia entry: she started off as a carefree flapper girl who frequented dancehalls, until 1933 when they decided to make her a wife and mother instead? And Dagwood is the son of wealthy industrialists who disowned him for marrying a flapper girl? (Here's the story at the Blondie website.)
This is ridiculously pertinent for my research. This means I need to track down a book that has those comics, and whatever secondary literature there is on Blondie and 1930s comics. And decide whether this is going to be part of my dissertation (add in a comparative element?) or a side project and possible publication.
4 comments:
That is also ridiculously pertinant to my research as well. By which I mean the research paper I have to finish ASAP about how media stereotypes oppress men and women.
Ooops, I did some very poor grammar. I mean "is also" and "as well" in the same sentance?
I also realize that the sentances about my poor grammar are likely grammatically incorrect.
I've always thought the history of Blondie was interesting. Some fascinating gender issues to be explored there ....
My grandmother was a flapper in the 1920s who lived in Harlem and went to dancehalls -- and then married in the late 1920s and was suddenly put into role of wife and mother. One of the things she kept from her flapper days was the habit of cigarette smoking, which unfortunately killed her in the long run. She did pass her love of dancing down to her children and grandchildren though. People always treated her like she was dumb, even though she was very smart.
Sounds very interesting!!! You might check out the book Homeward Bound (Tyler May). The Second Chapter- "Depression Hard Times at Home" is PERFECT for you.
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