|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Charles Turgeon Film 4170 A Generation of Alienation If one word could be chosen to consummate meaning for the American experience of the1960s, rebellion would most certainly be appropriate for that declaration. The sixties were alive with a wide array of rebellious movements, ranging from Civil Rights, to feminism, to the activism inspired by resentment for the Vietnam War. It was as if this mutinous consciousness existed solely on the notion that this period of time might be the only opportunity to take a stand against oppression and conformity. This period of time also stood as a coming of age for many American youths. This coming of age was marked with aspiration to escape from a conservative society, which embodied an emblematic representation of previously established American codes, and ultimately demanded submissive cooperation. Many youths were alienated from “American” society because of their opposition to the codes, and because of the open-minded stance that they took in everyday life. The youth counterculture that resulted was characterized by a need for expression, which came in countless forms. These forms included appearance and dress attire, drug use, spirituality, and basically every form of art (music, literature, fine arts, etc.). Up until this point and time, Hollywood cinema had become a prevalent part of American culture. Like the other art forms, film was an invaluable tool of expression and rebellion. Through cinematic discourse and Hollywood’s worldwide renown, the counterculture had the means of speaking out on a global scale, for whatever cause they deemed necessary. As with American society up until the sixties, Hollywood had, for the most part, adhered to set policies and conventions. Most Hollywood films strived to convey an idealistic representation of the American way. Loyal wives would stay at home and tend to household chores and the needs of the family, while the clean-cut, hardworking husband provided the money. African-Americans were most often portrayed as wide-eyed, ignorant disciples who lacked “common sense” and almost always had something funny to say. Good (usually the law, or Christianity) would always triumph over evil (any social deviant, or non-believer). Every possible step was taken to create a perfect world where, if you played by the book and stayed within the boundaries of good taste, everything would work out (as long as you were a WASP). The idea was to make people feel better about life and the world that they lived in. The truth of the matter was that this was not in anyway close to reality for many Americans. The fallout of the Great Depression was in many ways the inspiration behind the idealized Hollywood cinema, but the films did very little beyond the psychological contentment they evoked. Many decent Americans found themselves in adverse situations with the law and American standards, simply because the harshness of reality left them with no other options. Even when times got to be better, the stage had already been set for where if one does not do what they are suppose to do, they will be deemed a societal outcast.
Approximate Word count = 1978
Approximate Pages = 7.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|