American Politics & Pop Culture

Elvis, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles were all classic and iconic members of American pop culture and music in their own right, but they impacted the country differently. Elvis marked the epoch of rock and roll to the world, and was a main figure in the changing era of American sexuality. He was swooned over by teenagers while vilified by much of the conservative and religious members of the country. The Beatles had more of a wholesome mainstream appeal, and were liked by most everyone. The Beatles early career wasn’t marked by the sexual scandal that Elvis’ was, but they were still seen as teen heart-throbs everywhere. Bob Dylan was seen more as a social reformer, bringing together rock and roll and the thinking and revolutionary types. Each of these artists had a unique appearance that both added to their icon status, and to their popularity. Elvis wore outlandish outfits to highlight his movement onstage, while the dapper and diminutive Beatles originally dressed in suits and ties; Bob Dylan’s appearance really emanated an “I don’t care” attitude that was also parlayed in his music. I believe that Elvis represented what parents didn’t want their children to behave like sexually, while the Beatles embodied asexuality originally that had more parents approving of them. I agree that music can be very tantamount to teenagers and impressionable kids, but I believe it is more impressionable than pornography as it can display a wide range of emotions and thinkings, while pornography is more limited. Elvis’ success in copying music that had been around before relied on several things, his ability to present it in a fresh new perspective was one; he also gave the music of an older generation a new rebellious twist that many teens found appealing. The musical heritage of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were founded in much of old American blues and gospel, which gave them almost American roots that appealed to Americans; they incorporated those classics into their music which allow them to seem almost familiar while being new bands. I agree with George Clinton saying that “most kids hate their parent’s artist”, but I see that as more being rebellious toward their parents than anything toward their music. Kids want to have their own identity, and enjoying what their parents enjoy doesn’t separate them. I do see teenage rebellion being a reason that Elvis and the Beatles were popular, but I can’t say that it was the prime reason because all generations of children have been trying to listen to different things than their parents, so this was nothing new. I see the role of women as really the catapulting factor in the cultural and financial success of these bands. Women really envisioned themselves having a personal link to these artists, and in doing so, felt a close connection which compelled them to support the artists in any way they could. While Bob Dylan embodied the “bad boy” role that many people seem to think draw to women, he was less of a sexual icon, and as such wasn’t supported by mostly women.