The Great Gatsby

^{The Great Gatsby (and it really was that great!)}

^{The Great Gatsby is a novel published in 1925 by the American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. In the summer of 1922, Fitzgerald follows the characters residing in the fictitious towns of East Egg and West Egg —what strange names for places right?— on wealthy Long Island. The Great Gatsby is considered by many literary critics to be one of the best novels ever created. The novel explores many themes, including idealism, reform defiance, civil unrest and luxury, creating a portrait of the Roaring Twenties that has been described as an American Dream.}

^{You Like Jazz?}

King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra in
Houston, Texas, 1921

^{As well as exploring many themes, Fitzgerald is also widely credited with creating the term “Jazz Age,” or more commonly known as “The Roaring Twenties,” a period of time in which culture was rich. The era was known for its economic prosperity, flapper culture, speakeasies, rebellious youth, and of course, the popularity of jazz! The funky style of jazz music and new dance styles rapidly gained popularity in the United States. The Jazz Age’s cultural repercussions were primarily felt in the United States, the birthplace of jazz being New Orleans. The music itself is a fusion of African and European music, playing a significant part in wider cultural changes in this period. Jazz was honestly such a large part of my life growing up, and is still to this day. It helped me connect with my dad musically, and helped spark my love of jazz.}

A snazzy Louis Armstrong playing the trumpet

^{Women Can Wear Whatever? Heck Yeah!}

^{During the Roaring Twenties, the image of women changed to a very boyish style…not that boys wore dresses. The term flapper was used to describe the young generation of women at the time who wore short skirts — at the knee? So scandalous; their ankles are exposed! How are boys going to control themselves?! — very bobbed hair, listened to jazz and those who disdained the so-called “acceptable behaviour.” They were considered brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, smoking in public, treating sex as a casual thing and driving. Of course, the men were outraged at the idea of a woman doing what men do, except wearing makeup. I loved and hated this time for women. I loved the way women stood up against “the man” and brought the first real wave of feminism in the United States. As much as this was a good time for a change, I hate that things haven’t changed all that much in the present day. The fact that there is a majority of men that are disgusted at the fact that women can be who they want is absolutely ridiculous!! Women are people too bro! Get it together.}