American Futurism in the Atomic Era

Futurism by Theme

            Images and concepts of the future appear in many different forms and media. When examining specific visions of the future, themes emerge which highlight the values and aspirations of middle class Americans in the Cold War era. These themes reflect technologies that had evolved rapidly during the mid-twentieth century. Communications and transportation technologies were emphasized during war times and then adapted to fit into and improve upon a marketed idyllic image of the average American citizen. For example, futurism boasted ideas of weather control with a dual purpose in representing total human control over the environment and as a protective measure from international threats. Push-button technology was advertised to emphasize how new consumer goods would make daily life easier. This emphasis on convenience and leisure was seen in the home but implemented in public spheres as well. The idea of the home of tomorrow provided an outlet for multiple industries to promote their products and services. Finally, the space race and nuclear technology not only popularized design elements but informed unique conceptualizations of the future in regards to how advertisers marketed aspects of American life concerning communities, leisure, and the environment.
 

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