Adolescent Culture in the 50s: Rebellion and Non-conformity The 50s marked many significant cultural shifts. In particular, American adolescents began to reconsider their roles and their relationships with adults. This often took the form of rebellion. Even though many teens in the 50s did not individually rebel, they began to admire and idealize those who did. Fictional characters as well as real life rebels became popular. This new culture was reflected in many areas of life for the adolescent generation of the 50s. For example, the rejection of authority was demonstrated in the following areas of life: 1. Role Models 2. Music 3. Film 4. Family 5. Society
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Role Models There was a shift in role models in the 50s. Although the American dream still existed, adolescents of 50s began to reject it. Those they looked up to were those who rejected and rebelled against what was expected of them. For instance, Holden Caulfield, a character in J.D. Salingers novel Catcher in the Rye, became a popular literary character (Rock and Roll Generation 1998, p.110). His popularity was derived by his rebellion against society and more specifically the adults who surrounded him. Another infamous role model was James Dean. This famous movie actor was loved by girls and emulated by boys (Rock and Roll Generation 1998, p.116). His rebellion went beyond his films. His risk taking ended up taking his life in a high speed crash when he was just 24 years old (Rock and Roll Generation 1998, 116). In the mid-fifties beatnik culture emerged. This culture celebrated the marginalized groups in society and promoted individuality over conformity. Drug use became associated with the Beats and popular hangouts were found in New Yorks Greenwich Village and San Franciscos North Beach. Jack Kerouacs novel, On the Road, became the representative of the values of the Beat counter culture (Willis 2005). Those individuals who attracted the attention of the youth in the 1950s were characterized by their rebellious nature. Conclusion In conclusion, each generation becomes known for a certain set of characteristics. Some would say that the non-conformity of the 50s may have laid the foundation for the protests of the 60s (Willis 2005). It is clear from the study of adolescent culture that the 50s can be characterized by an emerging adolescent mindset that rejected authority and celebrated rebellion. From the role models of the 50s to the music and films to family and society, rebellion was the defining word for 50s teen culture.
James Dean: 50s teen rebel Adolescent Culture in the 50s 4
References Rock and Roll Generation: Teen Life in the 50s. (1998) Neil Kagan, ed. Alexandria, Virginia: Time Life Inc. Schwartz, R. (2002). The 1950s (Eyewitness History). New York: Facts On File. 23 April 2014. http://ebooks.infobaselearning.com/View.aspx?ISBN=9781438108766 Wills, C. (2005). America in the 1950s (Decades of American History). New York: Facts On File. 23 April 2014. http://ebooks.infobaselearning.com/View.aspx?ISBN=9781438118673