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White Zombie Stereotypes

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“We Can Do It.” It is a quote that shaped a generation of women into believing in something that they had no idea they could conquer. Their lives, for so long, had been simplistic and practically meaningless; they continued to crave something more in their lives. As their husbands left overseas, they tied their bandanas, buttoned their shirts, and left for the factories. It was then that they knew that they could achieve much more than they ever imagined. The 1930s held many frightening aspects in its midst. From poverty to racism, the list extends endlessly. Although this decade had many prevalent fears, the film White Zombie reveals that the oppression of women and gender roles were undoubtedly the worst of all. The film White Zombie is extremely iconic even in today’s time. Known for being the first zombie movie ever created, the film also brings to light some of the darkest fears of society from the 1930s. One of the monsters that this movie creates is one of its main characters, Madeline. Early in the film, the audience sees …show more content…

Beaumont’s relationship can parallel with the relationship of men and women during the 1930s in many ways. Men felt that women were inferior and anything they did to step out of their place was considered scandalous. In the film, this is shown when the men, mainly Neil and Mr. Beaumont, begin to objectify Madeline. They never ask for her thoughts, and to them her only asset is her beauty. During this age, women had just recently acquired the right to vote and were voting more than the men. The fact that women could choose who was representing the country terrified many of the men across America. In White Zombie, when Madeline does not fall in love with Mr. Beaumont, he expresses his adoration by going through any means necessary to possess her. Men in the 1930s thought of women as something to own, and not as actual human beings with feelings and opinions of their own, and this still shows itself as an issue

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