Rock And Roll Counterculture

1. What was it about the "counterculture" of Rock 'n' Roll that drove both parents and media commentators such as Jeff Greenfield to claim that "Rock 'n' Roll was vile, elemental, savage, and dripping with sex"? In the era of which Rock 'n' Roll began to develop was a time where tradition were very important, meaning when something new tried to change those traditions it scared many people. A large majority that was affected by Rock 'n' Roll were teenagers and the music influenced many of their views on different topics; such as hairstyles, clothing, drugs, and sex. Therefore, Jeff Greenfield and parents were afraid that the new generation of children would become accustom to the views of Rock 'n' Roll, leading to the change of traditions.
2. Was the development of Rock 'n' Roll and R & B music really a uniting force? Did it break down racial barriers or did it re-enforce/create new ones?

Rock 'n' Roll and R & B music played a very important role in breaking down racial barriers, by helping bring together different races that like to enjoy the same music, in other words it provided a common ground. Both Rock 'n' Roll and R & B music had influence from African Americans, so at first it did create new barriers, such as those with parents, but in the end both races found a way to enjoy the music together.

3. How did local DJs become a driving force in this new era? Also, what important part did Alan Freed play in all of this?

In the past and even now, DJs are a very important driving force behind popularizing music because they are the ones who are responsible for introducing new music to mass population. For example, if DJs want a song to become popular they can continually play a song over and over and it will eventually become well known. Alan Freed was one of these DJs because in his time he was one f the DJs that wasn’t afraid to play certain types of music, like Rock 'n' Roll. That is why he was known as the Rock 'n' Roll sensation.