History That Doesn't Suck
169: An Epilogue to the 1920s: Youth culture, The Great Gatsby, and more with Professor Sarah Churchwell
Nov 4, 2024
Join Professor Sarah Churchwell, an expert in 1920s American culture, as she explores the vibrant youth culture and the emergence of Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties. Delve into the themes of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby,' and discover how its explorations of illusion versus reality remain relevant today. Churchwell connects historical shifts to modern consumerism, shedding light on the generational divide and the evolution of media that shaped cultural landscapes then and now.
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Quick takeaways
- The 1920s marked the rise of a distinct youth culture that sought independence and autonomy, influencing behaviors and societal norms significantly.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby encapsulates the era's complexities, reflecting the pursuit of the American Dream and its associated disillusionment.
Deep dives
The Roaring Twenties and Youth Culture
The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, marked a significant cultural shift in America, particularly regarding youth culture. Young people began to establish their identity, independent of their parents, partly due to increased access to education and the ability to live away from home, which fostered peer group connections. This decade was characterized by newfound freedoms, as both young men and women engaged in behaviors like smoking and driving cars, which allowed for greater privacy and autonomy. The emergence of monkey gland injections for youthfulness was also a precursor to modern trends such as cosmetic surgery and Botox, highlighting the societal obsession with youth that emerged during this time.
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