1960 Suburban Life Presented By The American Government. A Dream Lifestyle

This film was made in the 1950s by the US Government to impress GIs, especially those returning from World War II, unfortunately only for those who were white, to move their families to the suburbs and enjoy a new and seemingly perfect, lifestyle. I grew up in Levittown, Long Island, one of these suburbs. The film describe an idea that my parents had never heard before - lifestyle. By the 1960s, America had entered a decade of profound change marked by significant shifts in society, politics and culture. The concept of “lifestyle“ during this time evolved significantly, reflecting the emergence of new values and norms. In the 1960s, “lifestyle“ encompassed a broad range of personal choices and cultural expressions. It was not just about material wealth or status symbols (though these aspects were not entirely absent) but also about personal expression, persona, values, and social and political alignments. The era saw a growing emphasis on individuality, freedom of expression, and breaking away from conventional societal expectations. A “good lifestyle“ in the 1960s meant different things to different people. For some, it was about achieving the American Dream—owning a home in the suburbs, having a stable job, and starting a family, like this video presents. This version of a good lifestyle was closely tied to post-World War II prosperity and the expansion of the middle class. For others, especially younger generations, a “good” lifestyle rejected materialism and the conventional path. It emphasized personal fulfillment, social activism, and spiritual awakening. The counterculture movement advocated for peace, love, and communal living, often opposing the Vietnam War, racism, and social injustice. The 1960s lifestyle saw the emergence of various movements that shaped its identity: The Civil Rights Movement- suggesting a strong sense of community that focused on the fight for equality and justice. The Counterculture: Often associated with the hippie movement, they rejected traditional values in favor of peace, love, and communal living. Psychedelic music, experimental drug use, and a bohemian approach to life were hallmarks of this lifestyle. The Sexual Revolution: This movement challenged traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality and interpersonal relationships, advocating for sexual freedom and gender equality. Consumerism and Technology: Despite the counterculture’s criticism of materialism, the 1960s also saw a boom in consumerism, with television, cars, and other consumer goods becoming central to the American lifestyle for many. Music and Fashion: These were pivotal in defining the 1960s lifestyle, with rock ’n’ roll, folk music, and later psychedelic music providing a soundtrack to the decade. Fashion saw the rise of miniskirts, bell-bottoms, tie-dye, and other trends that broke away from conservative styles.