The 1960s: The Counterculture Strikes Back

Introduction: Youth and Challenge During the 1960s, there was an ideological battle between “youth” (those under 30) and “age” (the older generation). They disagreed with each other over the Vietnam War, sexual issues, race relations, and lifestyle. The two generations formed two different cultures.

Events During this Era The Civil Rights Movement –Focus of Kennedy’s domestic policy –Became the cornerstone of 1960s activism Student Protests The Women’s Movement –NOW, more women in college/workplace

Projections: Women on Screen 1960s films turned the women’s movement into revolution Also in many films the female characters were stereotyped –“madonnas” vs. “whores” –governesses vs. prostitutes For the most part, white- and blue-collar working women didn’t make it back to the screen until the late 70s/early 80s.

Youth Films: Activism as Lifestyle Many films portrayed the youth’s war resistance as angst The student movement was often reduced to just “confused college kids” who are only attracted to the idea of political activism and protests for “sex and cheap thrills.”

Changing Morality: The Rating System In April 1968, the Supreme Court ruled that local communities could establish their own censorship guidelines concerning movies. The Motion Picture Producers Association (MPPA) created a ratings system in order to prevent any attempts from local governments to make their own forms of censorship. The new ratings system took effect on November 1, –G, M (PG), R, X (PG-13 was not introduced until the 1980s) It paved the way for more films dealing with mature subject matter.

“The Graduate” As a Youth Cult Film Became an influential film for the “under-30 market” because they felt they could relate to Dustin Hoffman’s character (“Benjamin”) and his situation. Benjamin feels confused and alienated, which the adults in the film cannot understand or identify with. The adults try to manipulate him and shape his future.

The Graduate 1967 Mike Nichols Recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock is trapped into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, who happens to be the wife of his father's business partner and then finds himself falling in love with her daughter, Elaine.