In the final part of the "Equal Rights" episode, Lucy and Ethel end up teaching Ricky and Fred a valuable lesson in equality and humility. The men successfully pull a prank on Lucy and Ethel but the women quickly turn the tables and end up having their husbands arrested and thrown in jail. Of course they eventually sorted things out with police and the men were released, but Ricky and Fred were forced to think about their actions and realize that things won't always go their way. In the end, the couples were happily reunited and the realization of how important equal rights are became a reality.
Although it was a very comedic take on a serious issue, this episode reflects how the 50's culture viewed equal rights as somewhat of a joke at times. It is important to note how I Love Lucy set a precedent for depicting men and women equally within the family as well as society. This episode goes along with this week’s discussion on how I Love Lucy seems to have contradictory themes of supporting AND pushing the boundaries of the 1950’s. Lucy's efforts were continually thwarted, but her ambitions were never broken. Viewers regularly witnessed Lucy in roles that women in the 50's were typically never thought of having or succeeding in.
Some Questions to Think About:
Which points in the episode stood out the most to you?
Do you think that it portrayed an accurate depiction of families in the fifties? Why or why not?
Any other comments?
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I think that the way in which I love Lucy pushed the boundaries of the time period probably was a much more accurate representation of families at the time. Every individual family is obviously different, but the one thing that people learn that sticks from the fifties is the "cookie cutter family"- the idea that all families were the same and every family fit precisely into the mold of society. For I love Lucy to go outside that mold was incredibly progressive and that is the value of the show.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that each episode always has a conflict with a resolution that results in a moral being learned is very typical of the 50's and the idea that righteousness and honor will win out in the end.
Cassidy Freed
I have always watched this show growing up and watching it i never saw how important this show was to the time period it aired. Now its great to see the quiet rebellion the show had against society at this time, breaking down stereotypes and gender inequalities. Lucy is a 50's housewife but she doesn't follow the rules all the time and begins to steer away from all the social norms and demands for this time period.
ReplyDeletethe last post was Alyssa Wood.
ReplyDeleteGreat points guys! Thank you for discussing the show as a whole and sorry I missed these comments when summing up the week! I completely agree with both of your points and am incredibly happy to see that this blog has allowed you to see I Love Lucy in a new light. It may not be the biggest push, but for it's time, it was a start whether intentional or not, depending on your own opinions.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Meghan