Why Is The 1950s Considered A Time Of Conformity?
Introduction The 1950s were a time of conformity. The country had just gotten over WWII and the people of America were willing to believe and actively pursue anything political figures declared the social norm. A group of writers who rejected any American middle-class conformist values started a rebellious movement against such assimilation. The Beat Generation expressed their ideas of individuality through works of literature influenced by drugs, sexual experimentation, Buddhism, and jazz (Belgrad 2001). Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs, the original beat writers, met each other at Columbia University in the late 1940s (Dodgson 2003). There they entered a bohemian life together with a common interest in liberal culture. Jack Kerouac, who was considered the leader of the Beat Movement, expressed that “he and his friends were beaten down in frustration at the difficulty of individual expression at a time when most artists were conforming to society” (“Beat Movement” 2009). Instead, these men
…show more content…
desired a life separated from materialistic values. They felt alienated from society and used their literature to challenge the limits of censorship and social convention. These men were in search of a deeper meaning in life, and they traveled to San Francisco in the 1950s to accomplish just that (Dodgson 2003).
Beat Writers Beat writing was not accepted by the media and most critics. The media portrayed them as unmotivated and unprincipled. They were conveyed in the media as anti-heroes (“The Beat Movement” 2001). Many critics claimed their literature was uninteresting and immature (“Beat Movement” 2009). They continued to write despite a general dislike from media and critics, hoping to influence society to turn away from conformity. As mentioned previously, the three main Beat writers were Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs. Each of them had their own contribution to the influence of counterculture throughout the years. Jack Kerouac, born in 1922, attended Columbia University in 1940. He later dropped out of college in 1942 and joined the military. After about six months, he was discharged as for he was declared mentally unstable. When he returned to New York, he met writers Ginsberg and Burroughs. They introduced him to drugs and Kerouac started his life as a beatnik. His most notable novel was “On the Road” (1957). It featured a group of free spirits that set off on a journey throughout America to discover themselves. It encourage young people to seek personal fulfillment. His books were directed toward an audience who sought self expression (“Kerouac, Jack” 2001). Kerouac’s writings were improvisational and spontaneous. He aimed to integrate the idea of conscious and unconscious thought. His novels were often described as conversational (Belgrad 2001). Kerouac refused to censor his feelings in his writings, he wanted to achieve emotional realism (“Kerouac, Jack” 2001). Kerouac was unprepared for fame and fell under the spotlight in the 1960s while his fellow writers embraced it (Dodgson 2003). Allen Ginsberg, a close friend of Kerouac, lead the revolt against “academic poetry”. Ginsberg also enrolled in Columbia University, with intention to become a lawyer (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). When meeting Kerouac and Burroughs, he decided to become a beatnik and moved to San Francisco along with his new friends. His most popular work "Howl" was a selection of poems that were declared too obscene by many. Influenced by a childhood of depression, homosexuality, and abuse, Ginsberg put together a selection of his poems that raised consciousness in people. Ginsberg did not want to censor his poems, he felt that current literature was masked from true emotion. In fact, most of his poems were influenced by hard drugs. He claims that his best poetry was written under the influence of drugs (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). To the mainstream, Ginsberg was a freak. Critics and media did not approve of his vulgar poetry style. An obscenity trial was held to rule whether "Howl" should be banned or not. This was the first time the beatniks had exposure to the mainstream crowd. Essentially, the trial gave them the reputation of nonconformists who would not be limited by the strict censorship in the literary world. "Howl" was, in fact, not declared obscene. However, many journals and critics still described it as explicit (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). William S. Burroughs was the last of the beatnik trio. Burroughs grew up in a better household than Kerouac and Ginsberg. He attended Harvard University and later studied medicine after receiving his B.A. in English (Gargan 2003). Because of this, Burroughs was considered among the most credible of the beatniks. Later he met the Kerouac and Ginsberg in and around Columbia University. Following his decision to join the beatnik lifestyle, Burroughs got wrapped up into drugs. He was addicted to morphine and heroin. This lead him into a life of crime. Burroughs was imprisoned, along with Kerouac, for witnessing a murder involving two friends. He later accidently shot his wife to death when drunkenly attempting to shoot a glass off of her head (Gargan 2003). Burroughs was a junky, and he wrote about his troubles in his novel "Naked Lunch." Once again, another literary works of the Beats was condemned. An obscenity trial was held for "Naked Lunch," as well. Massachusetts even declared Burroughs a pornographer for his obscene language used throughout the novel. The book was banned in a few areas, such as Los Angeles (Gargan 2003). Burroughs was willing to publish anything, despite society’s response. He did not let these censorship trials damage his motivation to speak out against society’s norms.
Importance in Today's Society The Beat Generation helped enforce a change in society that was much needed. Americans were tired of their conformed lifestyles and craved the defiance of social convention that the beatniks had to offer. Their actions directly influenced later generations, such as the 1960s and 90s, to question whether the society they lived in was acceptable. Ginsberg and Burroughs even actively participated in the “flower child” movement of the 60s. Ginsberg was a strong advocator for this “flower child” movement, he is believed to even have coined that term. He became active in social and political issues during the 60s and 70s, participating in many protests. Ginsberg and his followers promoted peace and love in contrast with the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. Ginsberg became a counterculture icon for 4 decades until his death in 1997 (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). Burroughs, not as involved as Ginsberg, also took part in the following hippie and punk-rock scenes after the 50s. His violence, homosexuality, and drug addiction appealed to the younger audience. Burroughs influenced liberals everywhere to defy authority and make a change (Gargan 2003). Not only the actions of the beatniks, but their literature itself encouraged a shift in society.
Their poetry and novels included sensitive topics such as homsexuality, Buddhism, and drugs, all of which were not expressed openly in this time period. By writing about these topics, the beatnik opened the eyes of society to be more accepting. Homosexuality was being accepted, starting the movement of gay liberation. Drugs were considered to be more socially acceptable, and for many years they were used excessively. Eventually, it led to present day legalization of marijuana. Lastly, the increased participation in alternative religions in America was heavily influenced by this lost generation. It can be inferred that these changes in society’s views eventually catalyzed movements such as women liberation and black liberation as well. The beatniks overall encouraged people to look at life from the “underside” and make a difference (“The Beat Movement”
2001). The Beats have also had a considerable influence on modern music. Many rock artists of the 1980s were influenced by the rhythm of their poetry and the anti-establishment views presented in their novels. Many musicians befriended the Beats and even collaborated with them. Musicians and bands such as Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Iggy pop, The Beatles, The Doors, and Soft Machine claimed that they were majorly influenced by the Beats. With many references in their song titles and lyrics, it’s hard to miss the connection between the Beats and rock. To sum it up, Ray Manzarek, keyboardist in The Doors, claimed “if Jack Kerouac had never written On The Road, The Doors would have never existed.” It’s safe to assume that without the Beat Generation, much of our contemporary rock music we have grown so accustomed to could have never existed (Luyten 2012).
Conclusion
The Beat Generation had their intentions to erupt a change in society, and they achieved. Through their works of literature they were able to express their underground views with the mainstreams of America. Americans were tired of the conformity following WWII and the Beats gave them the extra push they needed to escape a life of materialism. The defiance of social convention in the years following the beatniks are no doubt a direct result. Their individuality inspired people to take a look at society in a new light throughout the years, and perhaps make a change. The Beats were the start of many years of social reform. Present day social movements can commonly be traced back to these heroic figures that would stop at nothing to reveal the truth. Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs all played an important role in counter culture throughout the years, and their legends continue to live on.
desired a life separated from materialistic values. They felt alienated from society and used their literature to challenge the limits of censorship and social convention. These men were in search of a deeper meaning in life, and they traveled to San Francisco in the 1950s to accomplish just that (Dodgson 2003).
Beat Writers Beat writing was not accepted by the media and most critics. The media portrayed them as unmotivated and unprincipled. They were conveyed in the media as anti-heroes (“The Beat Movement” 2001). Many critics claimed their literature was uninteresting and immature (“Beat Movement” 2009). They continued to write despite a general dislike from media and critics, hoping to influence society to turn away from conformity. As mentioned previously, the three main Beat writers were Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs. Each of them had their own contribution to the influence of counterculture throughout the years. Jack Kerouac, born in 1922, attended Columbia University in 1940. He later dropped out of college in 1942 and joined the military. After about six months, he was discharged as for he was declared mentally unstable. When he returned to New York, he met writers Ginsberg and Burroughs. They introduced him to drugs and Kerouac started his life as a beatnik. His most notable novel was “On the Road” (1957). It featured a group of free spirits that set off on a journey throughout America to discover themselves. It encourage young people to seek personal fulfillment. His books were directed toward an audience who sought self expression (“Kerouac, Jack” 2001). Kerouac’s writings were improvisational and spontaneous. He aimed to integrate the idea of conscious and unconscious thought. His novels were often described as conversational (Belgrad 2001). Kerouac refused to censor his feelings in his writings, he wanted to achieve emotional realism (“Kerouac, Jack” 2001). Kerouac was unprepared for fame and fell under the spotlight in the 1960s while his fellow writers embraced it (Dodgson 2003). Allen Ginsberg, a close friend of Kerouac, lead the revolt against “academic poetry”. Ginsberg also enrolled in Columbia University, with intention to become a lawyer (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). When meeting Kerouac and Burroughs, he decided to become a beatnik and moved to San Francisco along with his new friends. His most popular work "Howl" was a selection of poems that were declared too obscene by many. Influenced by a childhood of depression, homosexuality, and abuse, Ginsberg put together a selection of his poems that raised consciousness in people. Ginsberg did not want to censor his poems, he felt that current literature was masked from true emotion. In fact, most of his poems were influenced by hard drugs. He claims that his best poetry was written under the influence of drugs (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). To the mainstream, Ginsberg was a freak. Critics and media did not approve of his vulgar poetry style. An obscenity trial was held to rule whether "Howl" should be banned or not. This was the first time the beatniks had exposure to the mainstream crowd. Essentially, the trial gave them the reputation of nonconformists who would not be limited by the strict censorship in the literary world. "Howl" was, in fact, not declared obscene. However, many journals and critics still described it as explicit (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). William S. Burroughs was the last of the beatnik trio. Burroughs grew up in a better household than Kerouac and Ginsberg. He attended Harvard University and later studied medicine after receiving his B.A. in English (Gargan 2003). Because of this, Burroughs was considered among the most credible of the beatniks. Later he met the Kerouac and Ginsberg in and around Columbia University. Following his decision to join the beatnik lifestyle, Burroughs got wrapped up into drugs. He was addicted to morphine and heroin. This lead him into a life of crime. Burroughs was imprisoned, along with Kerouac, for witnessing a murder involving two friends. He later accidently shot his wife to death when drunkenly attempting to shoot a glass off of her head (Gargan 2003). Burroughs was a junky, and he wrote about his troubles in his novel "Naked Lunch." Once again, another literary works of the Beats was condemned. An obscenity trial was held for "Naked Lunch," as well. Massachusetts even declared Burroughs a pornographer for his obscene language used throughout the novel. The book was banned in a few areas, such as Los Angeles (Gargan 2003). Burroughs was willing to publish anything, despite society’s response. He did not let these censorship trials damage his motivation to speak out against society’s norms.
Importance in Today's Society The Beat Generation helped enforce a change in society that was much needed. Americans were tired of their conformed lifestyles and craved the defiance of social convention that the beatniks had to offer. Their actions directly influenced later generations, such as the 1960s and 90s, to question whether the society they lived in was acceptable. Ginsberg and Burroughs even actively participated in the “flower child” movement of the 60s. Ginsberg was a strong advocator for this “flower child” movement, he is believed to even have coined that term. He became active in social and political issues during the 60s and 70s, participating in many protests. Ginsberg and his followers promoted peace and love in contrast with the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. Ginsberg became a counterculture icon for 4 decades until his death in 1997 (“Allen Ginsberg” 1998). Burroughs, not as involved as Ginsberg, also took part in the following hippie and punk-rock scenes after the 50s. His violence, homosexuality, and drug addiction appealed to the younger audience. Burroughs influenced liberals everywhere to defy authority and make a change (Gargan 2003). Not only the actions of the beatniks, but their literature itself encouraged a shift in society.
Their poetry and novels included sensitive topics such as homsexuality, Buddhism, and drugs, all of which were not expressed openly in this time period. By writing about these topics, the beatnik opened the eyes of society to be more accepting. Homosexuality was being accepted, starting the movement of gay liberation. Drugs were considered to be more socially acceptable, and for many years they were used excessively. Eventually, it led to present day legalization of marijuana. Lastly, the increased participation in alternative religions in America was heavily influenced by this lost generation. It can be inferred that these changes in society’s views eventually catalyzed movements such as women liberation and black liberation as well. The beatniks overall encouraged people to look at life from the “underside” and make a difference (“The Beat Movement”
2001). The Beats have also had a considerable influence on modern music. Many rock artists of the 1980s were influenced by the rhythm of their poetry and the anti-establishment views presented in their novels. Many musicians befriended the Beats and even collaborated with them. Musicians and bands such as Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Iggy pop, The Beatles, The Doors, and Soft Machine claimed that they were majorly influenced by the Beats. With many references in their song titles and lyrics, it’s hard to miss the connection between the Beats and rock. To sum it up, Ray Manzarek, keyboardist in The Doors, claimed “if Jack Kerouac had never written On The Road, The Doors would have never existed.” It’s safe to assume that without the Beat Generation, much of our contemporary rock music we have grown so accustomed to could have never existed (Luyten 2012).
Conclusion
The Beat Generation had their intentions to erupt a change in society, and they achieved. Through their works of literature they were able to express their underground views with the mainstreams of America. Americans were tired of the conformity following WWII and the Beats gave them the extra push they needed to escape a life of materialism. The defiance of social convention in the years following the beatniks are no doubt a direct result. Their individuality inspired people to take a look at society in a new light throughout the years, and perhaps make a change. The Beats were the start of many years of social reform. Present day social movements can commonly be traced back to these heroic figures that would stop at nothing to reveal the truth. Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs all played an important role in counter culture throughout the years, and their legends continue to live on.