Changes in Pop Culture 1945-2000

Question 1

Cinema and Movie Stars

Answer 1

• The anti-hero emerged in the 1950’s as young people looked to Hollywood for examples of rebellious anti-heroes e.g. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.
• Drive-in cinemas became popular in 1950’s and 1960’s due to the increase in car ownership.
• Tech developments during the 1980’s such as special effects and advanced digital imagery made movies like Ghostbusters (1984) and The Terminator (1984) popular. Also VCR’s (1980’s) and DVD’s (1990’s) made home viewing an option for people.
• High-paid movie stars attracting cult followings became a common feature during 1990’s e.g. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robin Williams and Julia Roberts.

Question 2

The Motor Car

Answer 2

• 1945: 25 million Americans owned cars
• 1960: 61 million cars in America, 1 car for 3 people
• 1970: 89 million cars in America, 1 car for 2 people
• The car helped open up the suburbs of towns and cities and the countryside allowing Americans to explore the country.

Question 3

The Influence of TV

Answer 3

• The number of TV’s increased from 7000 in 1946 to 50 million in 1960 and by 1970, 96% of US households had at least one TV.
• During the 1950’s and 60’s the ‘western’ genre became very popular, especially series programmes such as The Lone Ranger. Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
• By 1980’s, soap operas had taken centre stage, the most popular being Dallas and Dynasty.
• In 1990’s Chat shows came to attract large audiences, especially the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Jerry Springer Show.

Question 4

Developments in IT

Answer 4

• In 1975, Bill Gates set up Microsoft and in 1985 he launched Microsoft Windows.
• In 1976, Steve Jobs set up Apple Computer inc. and soon launched the Macintosh computer.
• The late 1990’s saw the development and growth of the internet.
• Since the 1980’s, the development of computer generated games has had a significant impact upon the younger generation e.g. Nintendo NES (1980’s), Sony PlayStation and in 2001, Microsoft Xbox.