I

"It's fun to break up the glass. We're doing our thing for ecology and the boys scouts will give us a badge for working here"

Discuss the universal dilemma of mothers as they try to find meaningful activities for their children during summer vacation.

Compare the recycling movement of the 70's with the "green" movement of today.

According to the caption, what is the primary appeal of this task for the three boys?

What are service projects for kids like today? Do many participate in service projects or organizations?  

B

"Before the dissolution of our marriage my husband and I owned a bar. One day a toilet broke and we brought it home"

Discuss whether the suburban lifestyle demands conformity among its citizens, or whether it allows room for non-conformity and idiosyncratic behavior.

What about the woman in the photograph gives us the impression that she might be a little eccentric?

How does this image defy the notion that suburbia is monotonous and "cookie cutter"? Throughout this exhibition, look for the complexities and eccentricities that permeate suburban life.

What do you notice about the particular angle at which Bill Owens photographed his subject? Would the composition have been as effective at another angle?

Does the caption of this image mesh with your idea of suburban life?

What might this image say about the potential for some buyers to purchase a home beyond their means in order to live in the suburbs?

What is the one "luxury" that this family can't seen to live without? What does that say about their priorities and how they spend their leisure time?

In what ways might Bill Owens be subtly commenting on some of the darker facets of suburban life? Might there be aspects of suburban life that are truly empty?

Discuss the institution of the family vacation. Do you think family vacations are any more prevalent among suburbanites than city dwellers?

How does this family strike you as the typical suburban family of the early 1970's?

Discuss how this image suggests the affluence, leisure time, and materialism that are generally associated with suburban living?

Consider the irony of cherishing life in the suburbs on one hand, yet seeking to escape it on the other/

What were your family vacations like? Does this image remind you of summers spent as a child?

What does this image say about America's adoration of its family pets?

In what respect does this image reflect a typical suburban setting?

Throughout this exhibition, notice the role of the garage in the life of suburbanites. How often is it actually used to house the family automobile? If not that, then what is its function?

Tell us about your first family pet.

Read more »

"We moved up to a nicer house. We thought we'd do better, 

but the real estate man got us. Closing costs were

supposed to be $295 but they turned out to be $750. 

They have you where they want you - you've already

moved into the house."

How does this image reveal the less "glamorous" aspects of moving into a new house?

Discuss America's need to continually "move up" in the world-the desire to achieve ever bigger, better, and newer.

This couple has begun their suburban experience with unfulfilled expectations. What other disappointments do you foresee?

Think about the housing market today, and all the risk and problems associated with buying a home. How is our society mirroring this image? How are things different now?

"I enjoy cooking, dogs, cats, kids, soccer, and living here."

How does this image look different from what we might expect to see in a large city?

What kinds of sounds or smells might you expect to experience in this environment?

Who do you think voiced the caption? Does your perception of this image change based on who said that?

Does this image call to mind any memories from your childhood? Have you ever lived on a cul-de-sac? What was it like?