Sample Essay On Life Magazine

The cover page of Life Magazine 22 November 1954 featured Judy Holiday; for her famous movie, It should happen To You. The magazine has advertisements of cars, home cleaning appliances and clothes; most of them are modeled by women. This marks the era where women power was realized as women were economically independent and earning for themselves; they were prospective buyers and decision makers for purchases. The Plymouth 55 advertisement of the car maker firm Chrysler shows a woman driving the car. Car was a luxury product in 1950’s; the loan companies were looking out for their prospective clients. Car was now being sold for fashion and beauty especially for the lady of the house. Automobile manufacturers were advertising their product as an investment for future. Tubeless tires were innovated and gasoline was being promoted as the new fuel.
Home appliances from GE like the Electronic mixer and swivel top cleaner were targeting modern women. These appliances were meant to save time and energy of the female; in this saved time the woman could relax and treat herself. It was an era of hunting trips for men; an article mentions males enjoying themselves and posing for pictures with their prized possessions dead deer’s and doves). Today hunting is illegal and punishable by law. The male could prove their superiority and strength by hunting.
The US economy is keenly interested to see what happens after Peoples Republic of China comes into force in 1954. Liquor and cigarette lighter advertisements dominate the magazine relating these products to the status symbol. 21” inch picture televisions were a luxury item and a part of show off furniture. The US government proved its supremacy in the defense sector by publishing an article on its fighter aircrafts. Men playing musical instruments like spinet organ meant it was a hobby and pastime of the elite. Pocket radios, preserved and ready to eat food were being introduced to ease the hectic life of the people. Machines were minimizing the human effort. Designer Cocktail dresses for women and the new easy to use sewing machines stood for the power that females were beginning to enjoy. Innovative toys for boys and girls were published to attract buyer’s especially new parents.
1954 was a year when brands took over advertising. Brands stood for exclusivity and social status.