Whaddya rebellin’ against? Youth Rebellion and Domesticity in The Wild One and Rebel Without a Cause

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Whaddya rebellin’ against? Youth Rebellion and Domesticity in The Wild One and Rebel Without a Cause

Journal Title: Kultura Popularna - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 58

Abstract

The article focuses on the conflict between youth and domestic values in 1950s America on the example of the movies The Wild One and Rebel Without a Cause. Using elements of subcultural studies, the films are discussed as didactic in purpose, conveying a sense of fear of youth culture, then a new development, and reinforcing the patriarchal structure of mid-20th century US society. This was achieved by depicting troubled young people who manage to overcome various difficulties with the help of a strong masculine father-figure. However, as a result of this, some young people sought for characters who in their opinions embodied a non-conformist stance to a much greater extent than the protagonists. These characters, Chino in The Wild One and Plato in Rebel Without a Cause, became subcultural icons in their own right, and illustrate the impact that such cinematic portrayals may have on the development of a subculture.<br/><br/>

Authors and Affiliations

Mirosław Aleksander Miernik

Keywords

“Rebel without a Cause ” “Wild One” youth culture subcultures nonconformity bikers family cinema 1950s.

EP ID EP423018
DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0012.8083
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