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The 1950s POP CULTURE. Conformity. Why did people in the 1950s conform? Need for Stability after WW2 and G.D. Did not want to be “Un-American” – Era of Communist Hunt. Morality. Fairly Strict Society Rebellion was not acceptable Surge in Religion – felt good indicator of Anti-Communist
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Conformity • Why did people in the 1950s conform? • Need for Stability after WW2 and G.D. • Did not want to be “Un-American” – Era of Communist Hunt
Morality • Fairly Strict Society • Rebellion was not acceptable • Surge in Religion – felt good indicator of Anti-Communist • Added “Under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance • Gender Roles strongly held
FASHION • Prior to the 1950’s, teen clothing very reserved/ proper but to some extent that changed in the 50’s. • Guys • Hair longer w/ sideburns and slicked back with grease. • Jeans • Leather jackets (collar turned up to be “cool”) • Girls • Ponytails • Pedal pushers, Scarves. • Poodle Skirts popular because • 1) Easier dancing, being spun around letting the skirt twirled. • 2) skirt was loose and free, a sign of freedom.
Youth Culture • EMPHASIS ON YOUTH IN 1950s! • Drive-in movies – Good for dates • Sock Hops – informal HS dance • Fast food restaurants • TV in 90% of homes by 1959
The Music • ROCK N’ Roll • evolved in the 1950's from rhythm and blues, • Electric Guitars • strong rhythm • youth-oriented lyrics. • Allowed Teenagers to break out of the mainstream conservative American middle class mold.
Rise of Television • Before 1952 – freeze on any new TV stations so industry had time to plan for expansion and problems • 1952-56, station #s jumped from 108 to 500 • Programs usually broadcasted live • Favorites: Mickey Mouse Club, I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver
Changes in TV • On-The Scene Reporting • Game Shows – offered large cash prizes • Businesses spent $$$ on TV Advertising • $170 million in 1950 • $1 billion by 1955 • $2 billion by 1960 • TV Guide = HUGE magazine, TV Dinners created so did not have to miss favorite show
The Beatniks Sought a higher consciousness – Zen Buddhism, music, sometimes drugs Went against the dress/mentality of the 1950s… attracted Media attention and imaginations of college students. • Subculture that expressed the social and literary nonconformity of artists and poets • non-materialistic lives • Shunned regular work