How does the reality of life in the 1950s compare with how it was portrayed on television?

Question

The picture people have of the 1950s is largely a product of television shows such as I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, and other old black and white shows

Answer 1

Well how many people lead a life like that in the OC, s*x and The City, Desperate House Wives etc? That should tell you a lot.

Answer 2

It was a simpler time, but not that idyllic. Get real nobody wore pearls and heels to clean their house.

Answer 3

About the only thing comparable were the clothes.  The drama, and or comedy, existed in some homes, but not to the extent of the shows.  I was a young, married gal in the 50's and I think we were the first young generation, following WW II, that worked and made enough to buy vinyl records, LP's and 48's.  We also had money to influence clothing styles.  I just think young people started to gain power, in those years, that has gone much farther than expected.  Parents seem to have less influence on their kids than the entertainers in sports, movies, music and TV.