In this section, the thing that really stood out for me was the way John F. Kasson kept on referring to Coney Island as a place where people could stray from the binds of proper society and relax. “It broke down the sense of rigidity that dominated so much of the life of American cities at the turn of the century and lessened personal restraints” (41). Kasson describes the social codes middle class America as formal and uptight. Even the working class “observed a strict etiquette,” (42), especially when it came to young men and women and dating. But at Coney Island “permitted a respite from such formal, highly regulated social situations” (44), which was one of the reasons the resort held such a high appeal to the masses. This element of the island must have been extremely important to the time period, because Kasson brings it up in his writing many times throughout the reading.
In reading this section, it seems to me as if Coney Island was a gateway into the future. As Kasson describes the millions of people, the shows, the rides, the food and drinks, and especially the relaxation of the public’s social and moral expectations, it reminds me of the society we have today. Now, amusement parks are common and are always filled with many people. Also, today’s culture is a lot more relaxed and it is more acceptable for people, especially women, to act the way they did on Coney Island.
