The 1920s was one of the first youth rebellions that America had ever experienced. While there were no demonstrations or rallies, the "youngsters" showed their rebellion through clothing and behavioral changes. The ones who most embodied the change were Flappers. Flappers define the modern perspective of the 1920s. The term flapper, its self was used most commonly in the 20s, even though it originated from a 16th century british slang word "flap" which generally referred to a young prostitute, by the time the 19th century came about the word had lost most of its sting and simply referred to a young, modern or "flighty" girl. Flappers were described by F. Scott Fitzgerald as being "lovely, expensive and about nineteen", and to most young people that rang true however, the older generation of the time disagreed. Because flappers contained everyone of societies major taboos, they were bound to make people who did not understand upset.
This photo, one of the most famous pictures of flappers, embodies the beauty, style, and flintiness that the flappers were so iconic for.
In the beginning of the century, women often strived to look older than their age. They wanted to have a curvy body, with large breasts and wide hips. Now, flappers often desired to have the look of that of a prepubescent girl, all the while maintaining their essence of casual sexuality. Short hair became popular in the turn of the century but the most popular hairstyle was "the shingle cut". The shingle cut was smoothed to the head and cut close to the scalp, with two curls sweeping to the side. Makeup became a staple for most women as well. The make up industry blossomed and became one of the largest industries in the 1920s. Although, some women still made their own makeup. Many people used soot for eye-shadow or petroleum jelly mixed with soot to create mascara. Tanning became popular for the first time ever. Women no longer wanted to be porcelain dolls, they wanted to be darker. This lead to the creation of new products to prevent sunburns.
"They were branded as brash for their enjoyment of casual sex, drinking, immoderate makeup, driving cars and smoking."
The controversy over flappers is also shown through the art and poetry of the time period. These are two contrasting poems about flappers, the first is enhancing the view, while the other is tearing them down.
"Tea for Two"
Flappers are we
Flappers are we
Flappers and fly and free.
Never too slow
All on the go
Petting parties with the smarties.
Dizzy with dangerous glee
Puritans knock us
Because the way we're clad.
Preachers all mock us
Because we're not bad.
Most flippant young flappers are we!
-- Vincent Youmans
"The Flapper"
The Playful flapper here we see,
The fairest of the fair.
She's not what Grandma used to be,
-- You might say, au contraire.
Her girlish ways may make a stir,
Her manners cause a scene,
But there is no more harm in her
Than in a submarine.
She nightly knocks for many a goal
The usual dancing men.
Her speed is great, but her control Is something else again.
All spotlights focus on her pranks.
All tongues her prowess herald.
For which she well may render thanks
To God and Scott Fitzgerald.
Her golden rule is plain enough -
Just get them young and treat them rough.
--Dorothy Parker
Flappers are we
Flappers are we
Flappers and fly and free.
Never too slow
All on the go
Petting parties with the smarties.
Dizzy with dangerous glee
Puritans knock us
Because the way we're clad.
Preachers all mock us
Because we're not bad.
Most flippant young flappers are we!
-- Vincent Youmans
"The Flapper"
The Playful flapper here we see,
The fairest of the fair.
She's not what Grandma used to be,
-- You might say, au contraire.
Her girlish ways may make a stir,
Her manners cause a scene,
But there is no more harm in her
Than in a submarine.
She nightly knocks for many a goal
The usual dancing men.
Her speed is great, but her control Is something else again.
All spotlights focus on her pranks.
All tongues her prowess herald.
For which she well may render thanks
To God and Scott Fitzgerald.
Her golden rule is plain enough -
Just get them young and treat them rough.
--Dorothy Parker
The video (shown above) displays videos from the 1920s that help to further the understanding of the clothing and the way they move. It also shows a little bit about the time period. It shows the dance styles as well as some performances of the time period.