The Beat Generation refers to a group of writers who hit their creative peaks in the 1940s-1960s. The group did not share the same writing styles, but they were apart of the same social group, sharing the same interests, aims, and beliefs (Denise Enck). The “beatniks” were not actually apart of the Beat Generation, they sprung from a stereotype, coming from a derogatory image often associated with how the Beat Generation came off as (Denise Enck). Although two very different groups both heavily influenced the young generation of the 1950s.
The term beat may have come from “the feelings among group members being beaten down by American culture, or from jazz musicians who would say “ beat right down to my socks””(Appleby, Joyce, et al, 579).
The term beat may have come from “the feelings among group members being beaten down by American culture, or from jazz musicians who would say “ beat right down to my socks””(Appleby, Joyce, et al, 579).