The “American Dream” was considered the ideal way of life in the 50’s. The white picket fence, the 2.7 kids, etc. Many followed the “American Dream”, while others opposed it. The Beatniks, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and the Feminine Mystique are unique groups that challenged the “American Dream”. Success in the 50’s was all about who followed the ideal way to live their life (the “American Dream”). The ideal family consists of a father, who had a white collar job; a mother, who was a suburban housewife; 2.7 kids, and a dog. While the father went to work, women were expected to give up their dreams to devote their lives to their husband and children. Many middle class, white Americans immigrated to the suburbs from the cities, to follow the suburban way of living. They had a one out of the three models of housing with a white picket fence, and a vehicle. The suburban lifestyle was glorified in popular magazines, movies, and television. They showed the roles of men and women and the “correct” way of living. …show more content…
The Beatniks wanted to be different, they did not want to be considered “perfect” in the eyes of the “American Dream”. They shunned work, totally dismissing the “American Dream”. They used music, literature, and art to get their word out that no one has to give up their dreams to be successful, but that they can be successful if they fulfill their dreams. Rock ‘N’ Roll, was Elvis’s (king..) dream which he fulfilled and was criticized for. Although, Rock ‘N’ Roll was not directly against the “American Dream”, it was seen as rebellious and unethical. Teens loved that style of music, but adults thought it led to delinquency and immorality. Allen Ginsberg states that, “America after all it is you and I who are perfect not the next world”. He is stating that each individual is perfect the way they are and that they do not need to conform to be considered