The roaring 20's produced a new culture marked by its youth and consumerism

that often clashed with the traditions of older generations. Social values began to change, as self

expression emerged as a prized value by youth. Women's roles changed from the traditional

restrained Victorianism of the past. Views of work and who worked changed. Consumerism

gave birth to an expansion of mass entertainment and leisure activities. The restraint of the past

combined with present examples such as Prohibition caused a rebellious attitude in the younger

Self expression moved to the front as American's social values evolved. "...clothes

became a means of self expression and personal freedom. Both men and women wore more

casual and gaily colored styles than their parents would have considered."(Norton p.703) Issues

that might have been whispered about became the focus of honest and open discussion. The

youth culture emerged separate from their parents and older adults. The new influences of the era

pushed youth into a life and activities viewed differently. The youth culture often shocked the

older traditionalists; :"The line between acceptable and inappropriate be

increased along with sporting events. Movie stars fed the liberalism ideals of youth. Many critics

generation had certainly pretty well ruined this world before passing it on to us." Carter quotes a

flourished; " Evolving from African and black American folk music, early jazz communicated an

He labels them "oldsters" but does agree that we should analyze and find the cause of the youth

religion." Carter points out that it is the same with most older generations to criticize the

smoking, swearing and frankness about sex became fashionable."(Norton p.703).

know that we are a pretty bad lot, but has that not been true of every proceeding generation? At

Carter agrees that the wild young people of his generation can be criticized for some of

Consumerism brought the industry of mass audience entertainment, Attendance to movies

submissive, heavily clothed women into a more aggressive, new style of femininity. "...the short

Some common words found in the essay are:
Wild People, Scott Fitzgerald, Fullerton Gerould, Evolving African, Carter Jr, youth culture, wild people, self expression, , social values, scott fitzgerald,
Approximate Word count = 856
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)