George Chauncey offers useful ideas to explain the emergence of new cities established distinctive urban cultures. Most of the individuals living in such cities were anonymous to each other. Such people did not consider their societal norms. This development resulted in unconventional behaviors in different societies. The number of visitors and tourists was on the rise in these cities (Chauncey 134).
Most of the employees in these cities would engage in new activities during the weekend. The dwellers of these cities assumed various roles, sexualities, and positions. More women were looking for new jobs. Some of these women engaged in prostitution. Most of these cities made it possible for more citizens to exercise their freedoms. Every person “was free from the constraints of his or her family” (Hunter 149).
The existence of social classes also supported the establishment of diverse lifestyles. Restaurants, theatres, and saloons also emerged. These developments played a critical role towards supporting new forms of sexuality and leisure. Most of the unmarried individuals in these cities embraced new malpractices. This “was possible because they did not encounter any societal barrier” (Chauncey 142). This practice is also notable in many cities today.
The emergence of new sub-cultural groups explains why many cities are promoting unconventional lifestyles. Such cities offer appropriate resources that encourage people to engage in different forms of leisure. The youth are taking advantage of these cities in order to engage in new sexualities. The diversities experienced in these cities have produced these practices. Urban centers will always create new lifestyles and sexualities.
The student begins by explaining how different American cities supported new forms of sexuality and leisure. Many individuals had their unique jobs while engaging in funny lifestyles. The freedom associated with many urban centers encouraged more people to engage in various lifestyles. The availability of financial resources and amenities produced new social habits. Every large city attracted more people from different backgrounds (Chauncey 148).
The student also highlights the idea of capitalism because it encouraged people to create more time for leisure. Employees were not working throughout the clock. This situation made it easier for them to engage in different forms of sexuality. The student also believes that every modern city is embracing this concept of anonymity. This development is creating new lifestyles and social roles. The presence of diverse populations makes it easier for citizens to engage in different leisure activities (Hunter 153).
The student offers useful arguments to explore the concept of anonymity. This concept resulted in different unconventional behaviors. Many immigrants were feeling freer in these cities. They embraced new lifestyles and ideas that existed in such cities. Some individuals also became part of the gay subculture. New “moral codes and languages emerged in these cities” (Hunter 159). The author of the article uses the example of gay subculture to support his or her argument.
Many African Americans moved to different cities in an attempt to become self-sufficient. New brothels, shopping centers, and dance halls also emerged in the country. New practices such as gambling also became common. According to the student, new lifestyles emerged in many cities across the country. According to the student, every society should maintain positive relationships with its sub-cultural groups. The insights presented by the author are critical towards understanding the emergence of the gay community.
Works Cited
Chauncey, George. Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940. New York: Basic Books, 1994. Print.
Hunter, Tera. To ‘Joy My Freedom: Black Women’s Lives and Labors after the Civil War. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997. Print.