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19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What was mainstream society like in the 1950's? |
- Conformist - "Normalcy" wanted - Conventional thinking - Politically conservative - "White picket fence" life main goal |
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What does "normalcy" mean? |
The condition of being normal; the state of being usual, typical, or expected. |
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What is conventional thinking? |
conforming or adhering to accepted standards, as of conduct or taste |
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What is a "white picket fence" life? |
A white picket fence, is seen by some as a symbol of the ideal middle-class suburban life, with a family and children, large house, and peaceful living. |
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What was "suburban living?" |
House 2.5 children Church Barbeque |
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Why did people want "normalcy"? |
After the depression/war they wanted to return to something easy going. |
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What was the counter culture like of the 1950's? |
- Questioned mainstream values and norms - There more to life than materialism - Rebelled against conformity - Chose/felt compelled to be outsiders - Included beatniks, teenage gangs, rock and roll - Dress and slang angered adults |
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How was the word "teenager" used and why was this different from previous decades? |
The teenager was used to describe kids between the ages of 13 and 21. Teenagers were suddenly acknowledged in the 1950's because this demographic suddenly had money and no adult responsibilities, unlike their parents with no money and lots of adult responsibilities. |
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What is Rock and Roll slang for? |
African American slang for sex |
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How did Rock and Roll help break down racial barriers? |
Previous popular music was easy listening and designed for parents, and radio was dominated by white people. White artists eventually stated recording 'black' music which challenged the white parents, therefore attracted rebellious young people. |
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Who was the 'Pelvis'? |
Elvis Presley |
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What was the "consumer society?" |
Capitalism Affluent society - specifically referring to the 1950's boom |
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What is "Keeping up with the Joneses?" |
Competition with imaginary neighbours to have the latest material goods |
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What famous teenage rebellion movie did James Dean star in? |
Rebel Without a Cause (1955) |
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What was the "passion pit?" |
Drive in Movie theatre |
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What was Levittown? |
The expansion of suburbia in New England area. Included affordable home with front and back garden away from cramped/black/dirty cities. BYO consumerism culture. |
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When were black people allowed to buy Levittown houses from the Levitts? |
Sales started March, 1947. Weren't allowed to buy until much later |
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How many people lived in Levittown in 1953? |
70,000 white people, 0 black people |
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Which book discussed the safety issues of cars from the 1950's led to 2 new federal laws and 19 federal safety regulations |
Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile by Ralph Nader (1965) |
