The Cast - The Sex Object
THE SEX OBJECT
“Woman” as sex object has been a traditional category in the vocabulary of “Man” since time immemorial. Women have always adorned themselves for the pleasure of men, but the “double standard” in male-female relationships was a powerful deterrent to women of the mid-20th century. One’s reputation and the fear of pregnancy loomed large. Concepts like “good girl” and “sex only in marriage” were dominant themes.
Although looking sexy was important and flirtations flourished, women were not sure whether men saw them as whole people or as sexual playthings. The doll figures in the headpiece speak to this confusion. So does the humorous breast configuration left of center on the shopping bag. The Sexual Revolution of the 1960’s was yet to come!
Marriage was considered the key to women’s sexual freedom. Judy left college at the end of her sophomore year to marry. She was 18 years old, still a teenager, but felt “so mature.”Marriage meant she wouldn’t have to decide what she wanted to be when she “grew up.” And she wouldn’t have to teach- which was her intended course of study.
Many in their generation didn’t complete college because getting an MRS degree was more important than getting a B.A. degree. Although Alice completed college, she didn’t attend her graduation because she was on her HONEYMOON!
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