60's Movies

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was a buddy movie combined with a western. The death of the main characters in the end, reflects the real-life deaths of the 1960s, such as the Kennedy brothers. The Pink Panther was a comedy with the clumsy Inspector Clouseau. The comedy focuses on the clumsy actions of Clouseau throughout the film. Clouseau's actions combined with the funny attire/behavior illustrated the humor in the 1960's. The Planet of the Apes was a film on an earth style planet that switches the position of Apes and Humans in the animal hierarchy. The movie is a commentary on the social divisiveness within American society, such as the racial power structures.  

60's TV

The television shows reflected events such as the Vietnam War and JFK assassination. The shows reflected the influences on everyday life such as organized crime and psychedelic drugs. I enjoyed what I saw because it was a different take on the same genres. For example in crime, the modern shows focus primarily on homicide investigations while the shows of the 60's focused on both homicides and organized crime. I believe that the crime shows of the 60's are more interesting because they had a large spectrum of plots. Compared to the modern crime shows, such as CSI, which often become repetitive due to the same general plot line being reused. The variety shows of the 60's were similar to modern comedy shows, such as SNL and the late night shows. Both used satirical views on present day issues and a variety of skits to entertain viewers. 

1960's Music

Most of the music I listen to from the 1960's originates from The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Def Leppard. Most of this music was peaceful and calm in tone and message. Due to the heavy influence of Drugs and the Peace movement, the music of the 1960's was peaceful. During the 1960's, the guitar served as the most prominent instrument. Whether it be Bob Dylan, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page, the Guitar ruled supreme during the 60's. While music was dominated by the Guitar, several artists mixed various instruments such as the Beatles with the Sitar.

Beatles

I believe that at the beginning of their career, The Beatles were the first major boy band. Their music consisted of simple sounds and topics while attracting masses of young girls. As the time progressed, I believe the band transformed from a boy band through their use of more advanced techniques, wider array of listeners and their discussion of more explicit topics in their songs. 

Discussion Topics

- Bill Russell and 7 straight Celtic titles 

- Muhammad Ali 

- Space Program

- Kennedy Frontier and LBJ Great Society

- Beatles 

Definition of Pop Culture

Pop Culture is a type of culture (Art,Music,Television/Movies) that is influential on society and people. For example, The Beatles and Elvis Presley had a huge effect on society due to their extremely popular music. 

Pop Culture and Society

I believe that Pop culture reflects the themes and influences within Society during a certain time frame.