AskHistorians

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In "Some Like It Hot" (1959) Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis prominently cross-dress as a disguise. How did the movie's success affect public opinions regarding drag and/or gender roles?	51
Women actively participated in the Spanish Civil War. Just how exceptional were female soldiers at the time? Were there regional differences in their roles? How accepted were they by male colleagues?	45
How did the distinctive Ku Klux Klan clothing develop? Do we know if it is connected to the similiar-looking costumes used during Holy Week (semana santa) in Spain?	44
It Takes Two, but what are the origins of Tango? How did African and Native American music styles influence this most Argentine of genres?	42
After the English rock group The Zombies disbanded in 1968, various "fake-Zombies" tried to capitalise on their success into the 80s. How common was this practice of reanimating undead bands? (When) did it die out?	42
In Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" (1928) the protagonist turns into a woman overnight - making it possibly the first English trans novel. How unusual were the novel's trans themes, and how influential has it been?	38
The medieval Beguines often lived and worked in women-only, semi-monastic communities without overarching structure. How exceptional and/or controversial were these female lay religious orders? Did they influence other religious movements?	32
Taxes on beards were levied in 16th century England (under Henry VIII & Elizabeth I), and in 17th century Russia (under Peter I). Do we know of contemporary reactions to either of the beard taxes' enforcements and effects ?	31
How connected were the pre-Colombian myths from the various Mesoamerican peoples?	31
Various comics heroes are "star child" orphans that came to earth from another planet, including in Thorgal (Belgium) and Dragonball (Japan). Does this narrative go back to Superman, or to older stories/myths (e.g. from Jewish tradition)?	29

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