ANT322H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Flapper, Semiosis, Speakeasy
Document Summary
Coalescence of sign systems to form a semiosis. American dream = founded on the protestant ethic. Flappers and flaming youth wanted to go against the american dream ethics -> spirit imprinted in the body. Hat = metaphor for the whole period of flappers. Prohibition: flappers and flaming youth were the ones going out and drinking. Resurgence to the mafia (make money from booze and sex) -> speakeasies. Lifestyle is supported and generated by the style of music jazz (music of the brothels) Moral manic from jazz surfacing; came forward to support the movement. Dance form: charleston (fragrantly profane and sexual for the time) Flappers = emblematic for the changes occurring during that time. Women: freeing in a defiant cultural and social way. Gospels: not just reciting african american scripture but singing. Generation gap emerged; separation of young people as a group (wild) Betty boop: caricature of the flapper to encapsulate the period as a satire of flappers and their culture.
