Midterm part 3-Elvis Presley - Essay Example

Elvis Presley To that Elvis Presley was deviant for his period is certainly true. The era of pop culture marked a memorable moment in American Social history. This period brought social changes that altered the perspective of Americans on ways of living and social boundaries. It is also during this period that classic and iconic members of pop culture such as The Beatles and Elvis Presley emerged. However, Elvis stood out from the crowd because of his eccentric fashion style and out of the world dance moves.

Moreover, his genre of music was against the social norms (Alagna 23). His love for Rock and Roll led to his popularity. Elvis brought Rock and Roll to limelight being a genre prevalent among black people. During this period, black Americans experienced discrimination and stigmatization from the rest of American society. Many white and older Americans did not commend his style or his music. Despite this, Presley had a fanatic following especially among teenage girls. Elvis marked the era of rock and roll to the world and was a significant figure in the transforming era of American sexuality (Mason 78).

Without doubt, Elvis was a radical individual for his period. He revolutionized America from a conservative society to a new dawn. He radically influenced the morals and values held by the society. Presley provocative movements aired on national television brought sexual matters in the open. This was unmentionable in the American society at that time. Lyrically Elvis songs did not encourage sexual interest. His mere presence and image elevated and drew sexual interest among teenagers (Alagna 53).

His concerts provided a platform for teenagers to decide for themselves on issues of morality and sexuality. Parents did not hide their aversion for Elvis since they lost moral control over their children (Pamela 67). Elvis chose to give teenagers an opportunity to know the truth and choose for themselves rather than shield them from the truth. In due course, Elvis had a strong social impact on a sexually traditional America. Elvis did not define right from wrong, but he let the teenagers delineate for themselves.

His rock and roll genre had a superior authority on teenagers than their parents did. Many parents considered Presley a threat to the morality of young American women. Young women in America idolized Elvis as a sexual symbol. His flashy dressing code and outstanding looks attracted a large number of young girls to his concerts. This augmented his dislike by most adults, many viewing him as a symbol of teenage rebellion (Hampton 34). They defamed him as immoral and viewed him as a threat to national security.

Anti-black chauvinism among white Americans transformed to adult animosity. Parents had no regard on whether rock and roll had a black origin to them Elvis was a physical and aural personification of sex. His dance moves that involved strip teases and sexual self-gratification overwhelmed most teenagers. Psychologists viewed the singer as a pervert whose actions could easily arouse teenagers to indulge in sex or sexual activities like masturbation and emotional hysteria.Works CitedAlagna, Magdalena.

Elvis Presley. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2001. Hampton, Wilborn. Elvis Presley. New York: Penguin Group USA, 2006. Keogh, Pamela Clarke. Elvis Presley: The Man. The Life. The Legend. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Mason, Bobbie Ann. Elvis Presley. New York: Penguin Group USA, 2007.