All Shook Up Book Report

Looking at the influential power of rock ‘n’ roll, Glenn C. Altschuler, in his book, concentrates on the abrupt social change and developments in America during the 1940s to 1960s through the lens of popular music. Altschuler argues rock ‘n’ roll was a pivotal moment, it changed the youth culture of America and encouraged everyone to be more accepting of people of all races, ages and sexualities. The power of music was certainly influential and aided as a catalyst to change, but he grants rock ‘n’ roll too much authority over social change in that era. Altschuler failed to look outside of his perspective and elaborate on other variables that contributed to change like the mass media and technological advances. All Shook Up is arranged in a systematic way, Altschuler begins by tracing the lineage of rock 'n' roll from its roots, developments and influences starting in 1945 until 1955. The following three sections concentrate on a different social issue incorporating race, sexuality and generational differences. The next two sections reveals the decline and upturn of rock ‘n’ roll along with pop culture wars. The book ends with an epilogue on the never-ending dominance of rock ‘n’ roll. One of Altschuler’s strengths; the organization and
The article briefly explains a violent incident that happened after a rock ‘n’ roll concert. Altschuler main argument is that the influence of music had created a massive social change. However, he fails to mention the impact and power of the media. During that time period the media was able to reach more people than previous decades. Due to technology advances and affordability. The media has the ability to put ideas and opinions into peoples’ minds. Just by the headlines of New York Times article, it was telling their audience to fear rock ‘n’ roll because it causes