2.  Outline the basic elements of mass culture as well as the substance of attacks by critics of mass culture.

3.  What impact did teenagers have on society?  What struggles did teenagers face during this time period.

4.  Between 13-19 years old.  America is the only country in the world with a term for this age group.  Lots of attention on this group.  Conflict of being their own group and becoming an adult.

5.  Businesses desired their disposable income.  Cosmetics, clothing, radios, phonographs and cars.  Elvis was an example of the first generation of teenagers.  Later became a teen idol.

6.  Parents and teens were estimated to spend billions to fulfill specific needs.  The “secret persuaders.”  Determined cultural fads.  More teens in school=more socialization.  Beginning to question certain moralities.  Psychologists began focusing on helping parents understand their teenagers.

7.  TV replaced radios in home as the primary source of family entertainment.  Portable radios were developed.  Radios were now being put in cars.  Radio shows developed, with music, news and djs.  Majority of these shows were targeted to adult males.

8.  Recording companies began recording African American Rhythm and Blues artists.  Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Little Richard.  These artists began to resonate with youth culture around the country.

9.  Many radio stations refused to play original versions of R&B tracks.  Played covers by white artists.  These covers almost always outsold originals.  Set the stage for white rock ‘n’ roll artists.

10.  Elvis-  Reinvented American popular music.  American youth culture symbol.  Chuck Berry  Most influential guitarist and great song writer.  Captured teen spirit with humor, irony and passion.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7wz-FZoIA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7wz-FZoIA

11.  Two car families, allowed 16 year olds to earn driving privileges.  Girls maturing faster.  Relationships starting at younger ages.  Balanced school, jobs and social life.  Rock and roll offered some sympathy.

12.  Many adults held rock ‘n’ roll responsible to decline in parental control over teens.  “The Devils Music”  More open expression of sexual feelings.

13.  The media reported endless stories of teenagers breaking the law.  Gang fights, drug and alcohol abuse, car theft and sexual abuses.  The public was convinced the youth was terrorizing the country.  Crime did spike among youth during the 1950’s however it was exaggerated.

14.  Teens were more defined by their peers, rather than their parents.  Parents were losing authority, felt threatened.  Blamed music, speech, style peer and popular culture.  Mass Media played an important role for both sides.

15.  The Wild One  Marlon Brando- leader of a motorcycle gang.  Rebel Without a Cause  Said that parents could cause delinquency.