8.5: Culture After 1945

Question 1

MASS CULTURE

Answer 1

• McCarthyism = pressure for cultural conformity and widespread, homogenous culture
• end of 1950s, 90% of houses w/ TVs
• TVs perpetuated mass culture consumption
• Suburban sitcoms like ‘Father Knows Best’ portray ideal American family
• promoted common language and shared values
• spike in ads
• appealed to emotional needs like status and belonging
• producing more than anyone could offer
• Credit Cards introduced

Question 2

CHALLENGES TO MASS CULTURE

Answer 2

• Rock N Roll
• inspired by blacks like Chuck Barry
• face = Elvis
• Beatniks
• rebellious poets
• “On the Road” by John Kerouac
• resists poetic meter and follows spontaneity
• J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye”