How have public spaces, including the workplace, developed and
communicated particular modes of behavior?
How have Americans used fashion to present themselves and communicate
their ideas in public space, and how successful have they been in re-shaping
their public identities?
The workplace, in particular, played a significant part in the changing of gender roles in the 70s and 80s. Women began working their way up to executive, administrative, managerial, etc. positions in the workforce. The typical gender expectations that men were supposed to have the high paying positions while the women were meant for low paying occupations were challenged and broken. Women pushed to be (and arguably did become) equals to men and even adopted a new fashion style to exaggerate their equality. Suits, traditionally strictly worn by men, were now designed for women. In the office especially, the suit is a symbol of professionalism. It only made sense that professional women dressed the professional part
ReplyDeletePublic space in 80s New York became a "gangster's paradise". Those who were of the lower class, which encompassed the majority of New Yorkers at the time, used the city as a canvas. They took their skills to the street, marking their names on trains and buildings as if to scream "we exist!". While the city itself tried desperately to attract white collar workers, the blue collar citizens rose above and made their presence known. They publicized their private lives, showcasing the lower class struggle through the power of dance. Break dancing was yet another way to express they they were people too, and that they are important.
ReplyDeletePeople are becoming more open with themselves in public spaces. For example, dancing has become a big part of society. Break dancing in particular was something that was never seen before and is very distinct and different from previous dances such as the charleston. This dance uses the whole body and moves in different ways then seen before. Also, women are using fashion as a source of empowerment. Not only are they breaking the gender barriers and moving up in the work place to higher positions of power, they are also wearing clothes that enhance this sense of power. Shoulderpads are very popular in the 80s and create a bigger aurora around women. Men have always taken up lots of space but now women can too with the shoulder pads enhancing their bodies and taking up more space.
ReplyDeletePublic spaces, specifically the workplace, became a place where women would wear suits with shoulder pads and adopt a more masculine figure and presence. This was reshaping their identities into something not thought of before. Graffiti and break dancing were similar in that break dancing was different than any dance seen before. People's expectations were something quite different than what shoulder pads and break dancing presented.
ReplyDeletePublic spaces became a place for free expression of the values and grievances of the local residents. Grafitti (as well as breakdancing) offered individuals the opportunity to express their artistic abilities in many environments which otherwise likely would not have facilitated their creative growth. Individuals within these subcultures were able to make a lasting impact on various private and public spaces, adding color and life to otherwise humdrum urban landscapes.
ReplyDeletePrivate spaces were changing as was the role of women in the workplace. Women started working higher level positions previously only held by men and had to dress the part. They started wearing shoulder pads underneath suits in an attempt not only to appear more like men but also to simply occupy more space and just have a more powerful/authoritative presence.
I think the workplace played a significant role in defining fashion and different modes of behavior in American culture. Fashion is a great tool to use to shape one’s public identity. For example, the suit has always been seen as a power symbol. For years men donned a suit for formal occasions and if they were wealthy. This trend continued into the workplace and eventually was even adopted by women to seem more powerful. The introduction of shoulder pads even allowed women to occupy a larger space much like men did in the work place. On the other hand of the public sphere, more relaxed clothing was seen as well especially in dance clubs. Dancing is an exhilarating activity that requires comfortable clothing. With breakdancing for example, a well-fitting suit would definitely rip while trying to accomplish many of the moves and baggy jeans or sweats was a more preferred alternative. This attire, very different from the suit, demonstrates a more relaxed public persona and shows the contrasting imagery Americans use to showcase them to the pubic.
ReplyDeleteIdentity through clothing is created through a sense of style. Style can be inspired from trends; that change with the seasons and quicker than an entire generation can get used to. For this reason, I think Americans have successfully re-shaped their public identities to adjust to the times and their own personal style. Whether it’s investing in a shoulder-pad suit for the office or some new pants to break dance in, Americans throughout time in our culture have been able to change their public identity by way of their appearance.
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ReplyDeletePublic space became a sacred place where people could express themselves. With the uprise of graffiti, expression became more prominent. Graffiti is a type of art used to express yourself and to get your name out there. People wouldn’t do this is a private space such as their home because there would be no point. Breakdancing is another form of expression that was becoming largely popular. No other dance was similar to this. The way peoples bodies moved was a way of expressing themselves and how they feel in response to the music.
Women changed drastically during this time. They came a long way from having Tupperware parties, going out into the real working world. However, this was not the only change. As seen in "An Officer and a Gentleman", some women were even going even further into the "man's world" and joining the military. They found that it is not always up to men to venture out into the dangerous world, and some desired to fight for their country alongside men, not as nurses but as soldiers.
ReplyDeletePublic spaces developed over the latter portion of the 20th century into places where people are able to express themselves through art, music, fashion, dance, etc. Fashion was a means by which women could communicate the transformation of gender roles in the context of the workplace. Styles of clothing like shoulder pads not only made women look more like men but also just provided women with a style by which to "dress for success."
ReplyDeletePublic spaces, especially during the 1980s, were a place for people to express themselves. Graffiti was a way for people to tag buildings and subway cars. People also break danced. This was different than any dance styles before it. It broke down the steps of dance and was a very different approach to dance. Public spaces have also changed women's identities drastically. Women were not always in the workplace. Women coming into the workforce was a big step for women becoming equal to men. Women have also used fashion as a way to make themselves equal to men. They wore suits with shoulder pads to give off a more masculine look.
ReplyDeleteNot only did women change the atmosphere of the workplace with their new powerful and professional fashion of suits and shoulder pads, but public atmosphere was influenced by the artistic expression of graffiti and break dancing. Fashion, dance, and art were all a way of expressing yourself, and the only way this can be seen is if it is in the public eye. Women changed the gender roles with their fashion while break dancing broke the norms of dancing and graffiti was a way for the lower class to show themselves and their artistic abilities.
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