The Wonder Years by Karlie Lynn https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45 From a Feminist & Marxist Lens en-us 2018-01-12 14:00:13 UTC 2025-09-27 14:50:05 UTC hello@padlet.com Looking into Louis karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220966395  (Episode 4 of The Wonder Years)
Looking at the hit TV series, The Wonder Years, from a feminist and Marxist lens there is one character in particular that stands out. Karen Arnold's new boyfriend, Louis, challenges the ideas and values of societal norms. Louis’ first encounter with Jack Arnold was at the dinner table. Although Louis defies a lot of social norms of the 1960s, the one that caused a heated debate was on the subject of the Vietnam war. This conversation is initiated after Norma brought up the death of Brian Cooper when Louis responded, “another meaningless death,” (The Wonder Years episode 4). Jack Arnold shared the same perspective and values on the ideals of war as what was considered to be societally correct. He believed that any young man that died in war died a valiant death because they were fighting for the freedom of their country. He thought that war itself was a necessary aspect to achieve what was needed. However, Louis called these men, “brainwashed morons,” (The Wonder Years) because the men who think the way Jack did are blinded by the government to believe that what they were doing was morally right. War opposed Louis' beliefs of non-violence ways of achieving peace, the 'hippie' concept. Nearing the end of the scene Louis pulls out his draft letter which he thinks leaves him only 3 options; move to Canada, go to jail or go to Vietnam to be shot and killed. 

 
]]> 2018-01-12 14:07:12 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220966395 Kevin & Hegemonic Masculinity karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220972955 (Episode 2 of The Wonder Years)
An idea that is displayed in The Wonder Years through Kevin Arnold's actions, in the last minutes of episode one and the duration of episode two, is hegemonic masculinity. A tragic event that takes place at the end of episode one was the valiant death of Winnie's brother Brian Cooper, who was killed in the Vietnam War. When Kevin hears of his news he immediately took the initiative to finding Winnie and her knight in shining armor. This feeds the idea of how the male character needed to make the 'first move' and felt that it was his chance to be noticed by her as more than just a friend. The way that media displayed his acts seemed to depict that, in a way, he used the situation not only to in attempt to comfort Winnie, but also for his own personal gain of hegemonic power in the relationship. While he may have thought it was all about her, the director's choice to voice his thoughts, made it evident that Kevin was taking advantage of her vulnerable state. The initial innocent kiss from the end of episode one had triggered more sexual-type thoughts in Kevin's head. Now that Kevin had gotten what he'd wanted since he met her he felt empowered as if Winnie was now his property.]]> 2018-01-12 14:22:24 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220972955 The Birth Control Debacle karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220977613 (Episode 1 of The Wonder Years) 
Society has constantly changed what is considered to be 'the norm' throughout the years. These norms include; proper values, acceptable language, slang and roles. These are based off of an ideologic base created from the societal influences. In the time period of 1968 the idea of birth control was very frowned upon as it was a new concept at this time. At the dinner table scene of episode one Karen Arnold announced to her family that she had decided she was going on birth control. At this time, opposed to modern day, birth control was typically only used for one reason, a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy from sexual relations with a man. Jack Arnold, the father, had a very strong opinion on the subject that he DID NOT agree. After his face turned a shade of red brighter than a tomato out of range, he openly shared his thoughts on the matter and got into a hefty argument with Karen. The assumption could be made that Jack disagrees so much with birth control, not only because of the reason, but also the judgement that other people about her or the parenting/family dynamics. He was afraid of being shamed by society because his daughter wanted to break the normal societal values.]]> 2018-01-12 14:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/220977613 Kevin Arnold karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223331208 2018-01-22 14:10:56 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223331208 Louis karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223331634 2018-01-22 14:11:42 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223331634 Birth Control Debate karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223334695 2018-01-22 14:16:25 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223334695 Work Place Discoveries karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223338455 2018-01-22 14:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223338455 Real Housewife of 1968 karliestam https://padlet.com/karliestam/bth3dioy4j45/wish/223342310 https://www.dropbox.com/s/cytcxcy4nl187io/IMG_2413.MOV?dl=0

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