Why did they love them SO much? Sarah Osborne
I just have to say, I loved class this week. I think the influence of these guys in the 50’s- early 70’s is just incredible. They were doing what they wanted to do, despite what was acceptable at that time, and they really didn’t care what anyone thought. Fame wasn’t their goal, they wanted change. They were doing what Michael Jordan wrote about in the article we discussed in class, these men had individuality and the attitude of being original and not following in anyone’s footsteps, and thanks to them our world will never be the same.
Unlike the opinion of George Clinton, Walley, and Stark I think there is more to the success of the Beatles, Elvis, and Dylan than just the rebellion of teenagers in the 50-60’s. I think Tom Petty said it best in the movie when he said, “[The Beatles] gave us all an identity.� They were strong, free-spirited, and did what they felt was right. Also, as Ehrenreich, Hess, and Jacobs discuss in their article, the Beatles represented sexuality and independence, things that teenage girls weren’t supposed to reflect before, but times were changing. The teen love for these guys wasn’t just to rebel, it was seeing these characteristics in the bands that they loved, and unconsciously wanting that for themselves.
I think girls and women went crazy over Elvis and the Beatles because they each had a new, exotic look. As the film discussed, Elvis came out in his unbuttoned shirts, swinging his hips and this was new and exciting. Also, the Beatles came to America where nobody had long hair or British accents, so this was exotic and a new fantasy for women. Bob Dylan had a similar level of success as the Beatles and Elvis, but he came about it in a different way. As Petty said, “It wasn’t just ‘my baby and me’ anymore.� Dylan brought about new subject manner as he took his folk style and turned it into whatever he wanted. He sang about politics, war, being young, and other issues – not just love. He also didn’t have a showy image, he was a very cool, relaxed guy. So Dylan didn’t attract females with an exotic look or shaking his hips, but instead changed music and lyrics into true, uninhibited expression.