the 1950s

James Dean as Jim Stark in

“Rebel W ithout a Cause”

Post-W W II “Happy Daze”

Economically prosperous

Suburbia stability

“Teenagers” emerge for first t ime

Wanted recognit ion and validation

Automobile gave teens freedom and

independence

•“Ivy” – Proper, dress pant, tie, sweater

set

•“Greaser” – Jeans, flannels, leather

jackets

•Popular hair: the ducktail

•Influences: Elvis, James Dean, & other

sources of media

•Dresses

•Long skirts

•Bobby socks

•Plaid

•Influences: magazines

& other media

Elvis, Litt le Richard, Jerr y Lee Lewis

Anthem to alienated culture

Recognit ion they searched for

Reaction: hyster ia, screeching, wailing

Hated by parents

Was said to “impair moral of minors”

Sexual and racial boundar ies

Litt le Richard

Power to “subver t old racial barr iers”

Mixed black and white culture for first t ime

Dancing together on Amer ican Bandstand

• Parents’ Reaction:

“Menace to morals”

“Satan’s music”

“Hit ler mass meetings”

Teens attempt to forge identity causes

clash with parents

Set precedents of their own

Cleared way for future generations of

more liberated and independent thinking

teens

Challenge norms and change histor y