Culture In The 1920's

The 1920’s are often portrayed as a free, luxurious, and creative time in American history, but with freedom and creativity came scandal, corruption, and extreme changes. The year of 1921 is viewed as a major turning point in America’s culture and society through drastically changing societal norms, music, literature, and entertainment. The emergence of a new social trend was prevalent among young women in the 1920’s. The iconic flapper “embraced unconventional behavior and represented America’s changing attitudes toward cultural norms, language, and dress”(Smith 1). The women exercised the right to self-expression and rejected conventional female behavior. Flappers often attended social events, wore short dresses, and smoked cigarettes, …show more content…
The style of music changed along with the changes in America’s society. Jazz and swing music was a defining characteristic of America’s culture in the 20’s. Jazz music can be defined as “the adulteration of a ‘pure’ form of folk music”(“United States” 36). The art form was “recognized and distinguished as something separate from all other forms of musical expression”(Schuller 1). Jazz music was nothing like any type of music any American had ever heard, which greatly contributed to jazzes’ popularity. The music was mainly developed by African rhythms and was known as a creative form of art. One of the most famous artists among the jazz community was Louis Armstrong. He was one of the most popular performers during the 20’s and influenced a multitude of artists. His two most popular songs were ‘West End Blues’ and “Hotter Than That’ which incorporated the saxophone and catchy beats. Jazz and swing music not only made your foot tap, but it encouraged social change among America’s community regarding racism. The two styles of music were “largely inspired by the work and spiritual protest music of African Americans”(“United States 36). Around the 1920’s multiple race riots were occurring due to the resurgence of the KKK and unfair treatment by Caucasian people in America. Music was a non-violent way for African Americans to protest against discrimination. African American’s contribution to …show more content…
The group of post World War One writers addressed many issues including racism, war, and young, careless people in the 1920’s. One of the most popular members of the group was Scott Fitzgerald. His most popular book “The Great Gatsby” depicted the faults of the youthful American society. Fitzgerald portrays the characters as reckless individuals who have lost their way from trying to achieve the luxuries of the American Dream. The novel is perceived as “the most profoundly American novel of its time”(Mizener 1). His novel hoped to bring change to America’s morally decaying and corrupt society. Another popular American writer in the Lost Generation was a man named John Passos. John identified the increasing wage gap among the wealthy elite and the poor, as well as issues regarding war and social injustices. He was well known as “a social historian and a radical critic of the quality of American life”(“John Dos Passos” 1). John’s most popular works had the topic of war often told from the point of view of soldiers fighting in World War One. He emphasizes the traumatic experiences soldiers had to endure, and the struggles of recovering from mental and physical ailments. John used an omniscient point of view that allowed the reader to experience the struggles of American life through multiple types of people and perspectives. The group of writers hinted