A decade that created the mess we live in today, but was also the dawn of a youth and civil rights movement.
If you're wondering how we got to where we are today, with a culture that values consumerism and youth rebellion, as well as social and political progress in areas such as civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, look no further than the 1950s. This decade was a time of significant change and upheaval, as the United States emerged as a global superpower after World War II and a new generation of young people began to assert their own cultural identity.
"The 1950's" by William H. Young and Nancy K. Young is a fascinating book that provides a comprehensive overview of the post-World War II era in the United States. The authors explore the many cultural, social, and economic trends of the decade, including the rise of consumerism and the emergence of a youth culture driven by rock and roll.
The 1950's brought us consumerism and started us down the road of mass consumption which has lead us to many of the problems we face today.
Consumerism was a significant force in the 1950s, as the economy boomed and people had more disposable income than ever before. The postwar era saw the emergence of new products, such as televisions, washing machines, and automobiles, which became symbols of the American dream and the good life.
Advertisers used a range of techniques to appeal to consumers, from creating glamorous images of idealized families and homes to using psychological tactics to influence buying behavior. These techniques helped to establish the idea that consumption was not just a means of acquiring goods, but also a way of achieving social status and personal fulfillment.
Deceptive advertising that lead us to buying things we don't need started in the 1950's.
Rock and roll was a cultural phenomenon that emerged in the 1950s, and it played a crucial role in shaping the era's youth culture. Young people embraced the music, which was seen as rebellious and anti-establishment. Rock and roll became a symbol of youth culture, and it inspired a new sense of identity and freedom among young people. This cultural shift was driven by the likes of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, whose music embodied the spirit of youth rebellion and freedom.
Rock N' Roll ushered in a youth movement, that has carried on to this day in many forms.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural, social, and economic trends that have shaped our society. College students and young adults, in particular, will find the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the emergence of consumer culture and the role that rock and roll played in driving youth culture.
Check out this book at: The 1950's
