Rock and Roll's Influence on Life in the 1950's

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The 1950’s was a decade of traditionalist, middle-class, suburban white family values. At the time, the standard household consisted of a man to work and provide for his wife and children, and a stay-at-home mom who managed cooking, cleaning, and caring for the kids. The 1950’s could very well be compared to the television programs of the day; dull. It was rock and roll that added a vibrant splash of color to mid-20th century American society and continued to impact the world for years to come. It affected our social livelihoods; how we talk, how we dress and interact. Politics were also affected by the music. Decisions regarding the Vietnam War and also formation of new regulatory agencies occurred in part or whole by rock and roll. Many will also argue the influence it had on, as well as the influence it drew from the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

Leave it to Beaver, I Love Lucy, and the Honeymooners all displayed the traditional family in 1950’s America. WWII contributed to these social expectations with the rise in the economy as well as children. Soldiers returning to...

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