The Beatles
The American 1960s was a decade characterized by countless economic and cultural struggles, the overindulgence of love and ecstasy, and the invasion of a British rock and roll movement. During the 1960s, bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin were exponentially rising in popularity and fame. The increased fame of these British rockers caused rock and roll to become the fundamental social force of the decade. It personified the hedonism and decadence of the era and made a blatant statement to the world about American morals. These bands incarnated the pure intemperance of rock and roll. The music of the British quartet, the Beatles, however, was kept pure and innocent.
When the Beatles first arrived in American pop culture, it was during a time when rock and roll personified a changing view of the female sexuality. According to the reading The British Are Coming!, “…the Beatles appeared less intimidating for another reason – they didn’t flaunt their sexuality� (29). American females could “…embrace the [Beatles] without feeling they were joining some kind of cadre of juvenile delinquents…� (29). Because the lyrics to their songs upheld the societal paradigm, the group was less of a threat to parents who wanted their daughters to remain innocent. The lyrics of the Rolling Stones described lewd sexual acts whereas the lyrics of the Beatles described holding hands and puppy love. The Beatles were popular because the image the Beatles portrayed allowed parent and child alike to embrace their music without feeling threatened or delinquent.
Ian R. Bell