Improving The American Way of Life

As the 1920’s changed into the 1930’s, the definition of the “American Way of Life” morphed along with the times. The focus that was the 20’s, which was centralized around civilization, adapted in the 30’s to have a greater emphasis on culture. Along with the literature that noted the change, the new ideas were also reflected in both the speech of former President Herbert Hoover and in other forms of art and media of the times. All of these signs emphasized society’s desire to move on from a period of pain and distrust and move to reinvent an American lifestyle that was created not only by the people, but was intended for the people.

Before we can look at the visual aids that reflected the new thoughts of the 1930’s, it is important to redefine the desires and goals of Americans. As America progressed, there was a common belief to move away from industry, and urban society, and move into a new faith of the social sciences. Sparked by new literature and media, there was a renewed sense of nationalism found among Americans, which led to their acceptance of so many new social focal points. “Certainly few, if any, decades in our history could claim the production of such a vast literature-to say nothing of a vast body of films, recordings, and paintings-that described and defined every aspect of American life (Susman, 157).” This new found motivation to inspire the common folks, who were still feeling the devastating effects from The Great Depression, was met with great enthusiasm, as they were looking for any new reason to put their past behind them. The creation of new works of literature were ways for writers to document, and remind, the country of the great values that had been established as guidelines for furthering the health of the nation. Fortunately for the citizens, not only was their great improvement in the literature, but there was an advancement of other technologies, such as sound, which served multiple purposes in advancing the nation.

The introduction of sound to movies, or “talkies,” along with its addition to Big Band music, to enhance their appeal, as well as to political speeches, gave a human connection to those objects which may have had a distant feeling to them. No longer would the audience be lost in the silence of their own thoughts, creating their own interpretations. Instead, sound allowed ordinary people to forget their everyday situations and think about something completely different, through mediums such as radio shows and movies. Finally, other new inventions of the time, such as the development of photography and a greater emphasis on organized sports, allowed everybody to participate, regardless of one’s education level. “The whole idea…makes it possible to see, know, and feel the details of life, its styles in different places, to feel oneself part of some other’s experience (Susman, 159).” This expansion on common ideals allowed all Americans to unite, not through class distinctions, but as American citizens, with no distinction of backgrounds.

This new “American Way of Life” was not only a social movement, but was a foundation for great political thought and debate. I believe that President Herbert Hoover, and his belief of a “laissez-faire” approach to American government was the ideal representation of the social setting. In his speech, This Challenge to Liberty, he raises many critical faults of the plan presented by President Roosevelt, as he emphasized that government couldn’t and shouldn’t have an overwhelming force over the people. “You cannot extend the mastery of government over the daily life of a people without somewhere making it master of people's souls and thoughts (Hoover, 9).” This thought is represented through all of the new social innovations, as free-market capitalism allowed consumers to decide, and not the “unseen hand” of the government, what they desired to escape the times. As there may have been a general disconnect between the American public and the government, with blame of the Great Depression resting squarely on their shoulders, it was important for the government not to intercede into everyday lives anymore than absolutely necessary.

“We want a land of health, and greater recreation for everybody. We want more opportunity for the creation and care of beauty and those things which satisfy the spirit (Hoover, 56).” Once again, President Hoover is bringing forth the importance of satisfying the American body and spirit over economic and political issues. Hoover argues that allowing the public to regroup mentally will lead to a better rebound than the New Deal could ever hope, even if it doesn’t lead directly to new jobs. According to Hoover, if the government overextends themselves into the daily lives of the everyday American, it may make them discontent and unwilling to work in new public works jobs, stalling any possible recovery from the Great Depression. However, if there is a general satisfaction found among the masses, they are going to be more willing to get back into the workforce and put the dark days in the past.

One of the murals that I believe represents President Hoover’s viewpoint on American policy is “And the migrants kept coming,” by Jacob Lawrence. I believe that this image demonstrates free will at its finest, as the viewer is shown hundreds of people waiting on the train platform with all of their possessions in hand. Another aspect to consider is that there are no faces shown in the mural, which demonstrates that at this point in time, everyone is equal. However, each and everyone has the opportunity to strike it rich and make a name for themselves, and not be restrained by a social program that doesn’t differentiate, such as the New Deal. Next, with an unknown future ahead of them, there is a general nervousness that is spread across the platform. However, at the same time, there is probably an excitement found among the travelers, as each one of these people are taking a chance with their lives by moving to new parts of the country for new economic opportunities. Each and every one of the migrants wants the next opportunity to secure economic fortune without any direction or instruction from the federal government.

The second mural that I believe emphasizes the feelings of President Hoover is “Industrial Life,” by Seymour Fogel. In the picture display, the viewer is shown what appears to be one man at four different points in his career, with him going from a novice position to one that requires knowledge and experience. At the beginning of the picture, the man is seen doing manual labor outside, followed by working the machines of the factory, proceeded by looking at designs of either a machine or building, with his conclusion coming as a scientist examining different ingredients. This progression of labor shows Hoover’s position that anyone can achieve any position to better themselves so long as they have the determination and will to succeed. This differs from the position of President Roosevelt, where there is uniformity found between all of the workers, with very little opportunity to distinguish themselves from the rest of the majority.

A second element that I considered to be a distinguishing characteristic which relates to President Hoover is the fact that the beginning of the mural begins in the morning and conclusion of the normal is at the same time as the sun is setting. I believe this illustrates Hoover’s thoughts of a complete and successful life being one with great personal achievement, which has been noted in this mural. Not only do the jobs in the illustration become progressively more advanced, but the clothing that the man is wearing also becomes progressively more dignified. As there is a move away from manual labor and a progression towards skilled labor, the clothing also increases in importance to match the position. This goes against Roosevelt’s proposal for employment because Hoover recognizes the need for more than just “simpleton” work. For the United States to stay competitive, the country is going to need workers to fill the roles of higher importance, which requires individuals to have the drive to desire a higher position instead of being allotted into a certain slot because of government actions.