'Planned Patriotism'

[*julez* 124]

For sale by the eBay seller currently flogging Planned Patriotism: This Handy Tome.

Looks to me like someone in the family died and they are clearing out an attic maybe?!

Julez - I think it is one of those things where you just want to be like everyone else and know that you are normal and then as soon as the novelty wears off (right away you wish you hadn't been so... eager ) I remember always wanting to catch up with my friends as I was a bit of a late bloomer...

I dreaded the day my little redheaded friend from the south would pay me her first visit and cried when it did happen. Still hate it to this day. But that's just me.

Anyhoo....back to Planned Patriotism and its merits.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

don't have a scanner right now, no... may soon though, in which case look out

I LOVED the Little House books - still do - but hated Judy Blume... not sure why; I just couldn't identify with much in them

and maven, I have already put in a bid on that other book; I seem to have lost my copy

[Jeraly 4]

Ahhh StP - I am so glad that you are finally succumbing to the fact that by living here, you are in fact an American and need to learn and cherish the new ways in which you have to live your life... see - I knew this baking was the start of something big

[DeadPoolX 9]

That's an interesting book. I'd love to read it in full sometime. It sounds a little... odd, to say the least.

To be fair, this book was published in 1961, which means it was written sometime before then. The 1950s were barely over and most attitudes and ideals carry over from one decade to the next early on. The 1950s was a time of extreme patriotic fervor, having recently ended WWII. At that time, very few people distrusted the government. After all, it was the U.S. government that supposedly "won the war" all by itself, at least according to the propaganda news reels.

The 1950s also saw the creation of the "Donna Reed-style housewife." Had women opted to stay home, taking care of the children and the house? Of course! But it wasn't unusual for a woman to work, since the income was deemed necessary and wages were generally quite small. Workers had fewer rights and employers had far greater opportunities to take advantage of them, before certain laws came into effect. Once the soldiers returned home (while the women who worked in the factories producing munitions for the war effort were fired) and the 1950s were in full swing, men started earning more overall. This led to the idea that "a woman's place is in the home."

The media at the time even supported this ideal. Look at the television shows of the era, including "The Honeymooners," "Father Knows Best," "I Love Lucy," "The Donna Reed Show," "Leave It To Beaver" and "Ozzie and Harriet." Most of these shows continued into the early-to-mid 1960s, as well.

What does this have to do with a book called "Planned Patriotism"? Well, the point I'm attempting to make is that the United States today is a very different place than it was 47 years ago. I'm sure every country has changed a lot since then. So while looking back might be entertaining (if not a little perplexing), the ideas presented should not be taken as the "accepted policy" as of 2008.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

I don't think anyone thought for a second that this was 'accepted policy in 2008'; I posted because it was funny, not because I thought it was real

[Jeraly 4]

What do you mean "it's not real"?????

[StillThePrettiest 3]

ok, addendum:

'I don't think anyone (except Jeraly) thought for a second...'

[DeadPoolX 9]

ok, addendum:

'I don't think anyone (except Jeraly) thought for a second...'

[Jeraly 4]

*hangs up her apron and tears off her marigolds*

That's it - Jeremy's cooking tonight

[jundp 191]

I like how the woman-folk prove their patriotism through Home Economics. I'm doomed as a patriot, I tell you.

Me too. In fact, all students today are because we don't teach it anymore?! Why do we hate America?

[StillThePrettiest 3]

actually, I think ALL students should be taught the basics of budgeting, buying fresh-but-cheap groceries, and cooking nutritional meals... it's a skill that some have, but which is disappearing frighteningly quickly from too many homes

we eat SO well, and rarely spend more than $2 or $3 per person for the ingredients...

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Oh I'm all for that sort of thing, but let's just say there's a reason I have a cleaning lady. I actually love cooking and find it very relaxing, but....I normally can't be bothered after working a 10+ hour day. I still eat well. I think there should be a mandatory nutrition class for high schoolers.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

oh, when it's a choice there's usually no problem... it's when people say they're struggling financially and yet are still buying take-away every night, or have no idea how to cook a simple meal, or go on some current affairs show saying they're reduced to eating dog food, that I go insane

[Reba 2]

yeah, especially since a can of Alpo in some places costs more than a can of Dinty Moore stew I think its real meat in the Alpo though and not the stew

[weedebz 0]

You mean to say it's different to that? Seems to still be that way here in NE. Womens role is to have a football team of kids and bake pies!

(now before anyone jumps on me I'm joking!!!)