4c) Cultural changes

Question 1

Hollywood and the Cold War

Answer 1

• Anti communist films were created - fed the public’s paranoia.
• Producers sacked anyone who may be linked with communists.
• Communists were the bad guys in the films.
• Film: Big Jim McLain, 1952
• Communists were painted as God-hating atheists.

Question 2

Due to ____ investigations, Hollywood tried to prove its _______ to the American ___ of ____.

Answer 2

Due to HUAC investigations, Hollywood tried to prove its loyalty to the American way of life.

Question 3

The growing power of television:

TV Ownership

Answer 3

• Number of TV sets increased - 60,000 (1947) to 37 million (1955).
• 3 million sold in first half of 1950.
• Lower income households now had access to poplar entertainment.
• TV = Favourite leisure time of 50% of Americans.
• 1954: TV dinners available - Impacted traditional family time.

Question 4

The growing power of television:

Advertising

Answer 4

• Companies tried to catch people’s attention with catchy adverts - paid high prices for prime time slots.
• Programme merchandise earned extra revenue.
  Walt Disney: Davy Crocket Series - $300,000 worth of fake coon-skin caps sold.
• Magazines with programme info sold well.

Question 5

The growing power of television:

Sitcoms, popular entertainment

Answer 5

• Sitcom families: White, middle class, nuclear.
• Women without husbands portrayed as unhappy.
• Cinema attendance fell: 90 million (1947) to 47 million (1956) per WEEK.
• Edward Morrow said TV could be a powerful campaign tool.

Question 6

The origins of teenage culture:

1950s - Emergence of teenage culture

Answer 6

• “Rebellious youth” associated with teenagers (1920s = flappers).
• Population under 24 - 1950: 41.6% 1960: 44.4%
• Teenagers seen as distinct social group.
• Economic boom allowed for independence and consumerism.
  Fast food, jukeboxes, fashion etc.
  Teenage market worth = $10 billion per year by 1955.

Question 7

The origins of teenage culture:

Different to previous generations

Answer 7

• Hadn’t gone through war or depression.
• Indiana University Institute of Sexual Research: 95% of males sexually active by 15 (1948-1953).
• 1954: ‘Seduction of Innocence’ - Comic books corrupted young people.
  13 states passed laws regulating comics.

Question 8

The origins of teenage culture:

Moral Concern

Answer 8

• TV showed teens to be aggressive and confrontational.
• Media claimed youths were forming gangs in the cities.
• 1956 New York: Teenage murders up 26% on the previous year.
• LA police: 1 in 10 teen gangs engaged in violence.
• Average age for marriage: 21.5 (1940) to 20.3 (1950s).

Question 9

The origins of teenage culture:

Rock n Roll

Answer 9

• Closely associated with youth rebellion.
• First hit: ‘Rock around the Clock’ by Bill Haley and the Comets.
• Elvis gained fame in latter half of the 1950s.
• Closely associated with African-American music.
• Many teens didn’t like Rock - preferred Pat Boon.
  1953: ‘How much is that doggie in the window?’

Question 10

Stereotyping of women and ethnic minorities:

Hollywood

Answer 10

• Women shown as passive and humble - waiting to be saved.
• Women shown as needing to be ‘tamed’ by a man.
• Women depicted as homemaker and mother - fulfilling their destiny.
• Big female stars (Bette Davis, Liz Taylor) played women who aspired to more than domesticity.

Question 11

Stereotyping of women and ethnic minorities:

Television

Answer 11

• Women shown to be loyal and subordinate.
• Emphasised the role of caregiver and homemaker - most fulfilling role for a woman.
• Sitcoms celebrated family life as the bedrock of America - TV supported racism?
• Advertisers: Didn’t want to be associated with ethnic minorities in case it affected sales.

Question 12

Stereotyping of women and ethnic minorities:

Jazz Musicians

Answer 12

• Singers (Lena Horne, Billie Holiday) saw their music grow in popularity.
• Still faced segregation, racism and prejudice regarding performances. (Especially in the south).