8 - Taylor L. - White Picket Fence

Word Count: 277

Fences can take on a more elaborate definition than just a plain boundary or barrier. 

In reference to American society, fences have been popularized as a symbol for societal expectations. 

The “American Dream” is a well known ideology often described with traditional home values surrounded by a “white picket fence”. While the characteristic of a white picket fence is clearly figurative, it largely capitalizes on the idea of perfection regarding American families. 

Following World War 2, the Baby Boomer era led to a mass increase in American families. The idea of having a perfect family with married parents, charming children, complete with a car and house was appealing to the majority of American citizens postwar. It added to the appeal of leading an American lifestyle and these ideals were preached to citizens across the nation through things such as television shows. Many images or examples including a perfect house with a white picket fence completing it. 

The symbolism of a white picket fence has now gone on to serve as an important feature in American culture and society. It represents wealth and prominence while providing a sense of community safety.

As previously mentioned, the white picket fence has inspired many Americans to pursue a specific lifestyle. There has even been a syndrome dubbed after the white picket fence, (White Picket Syndrome) that describes people who attempt to pursue unrealistic “perfect” ways of living. 

Evidently, fences can serve a much greater purpose than just their basic function of creating a barrier. In the eyes of the vast majority of Americans, it represents perfection, success, and wealth. It also has become a popularized symbol for perfectionists pursuing perfect lifestyles.