The Turbulent Sixties
Throughout American history, each generation has sought to
individualize itself from all others preceding it. Decades of American
history can be separated to represent a distinctive set of values, culture,
and political ideals. The 1960's was a decade caught between euphoric,
idealistic beginnings and a discordant, violent climax. The music of this
time period produced a strong counterculture which sought to influence
America in a way never before experienced. The songs were the backbone of
this new age; they were the tunes which the generation danced to, marched
to, and got high off of. This paper will discuss the ways popular music of
the 1960's produced national awareness of the ...
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called
"Blowin' in the Wind," written by Bob Dylan in 1962 while he was living in
New York. The song is centered around racism and militarism, two main
focal points which were principal in many early sixties protest songs
(Pichaske 58). Dylan used conventional symbols to blatantly state his
point; a white dove representing peace, flying cannon balls describing war
and violence, and roads and seas symbolizing the hardships and struggles
there would have to be with eliminating the war.
Demonstrations against the Vietnam War took place in many major
cities and college campuses. While many of these demonstrations had only
peaceful motives, violent methods were often used to break them up. Take
for example the famous student takeover of Columbia University. Black
students arguing for civil rights, and white students protesting against
the Vietnam war successfully took over Hamilton Hall, the Low Library and
the Dean's office, as well as three other buildings. The Grateful ...
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9
(Encarta). These actions led to many college students jointly rebelling
against sending troops to Cambodia, and an even larger number called for
the impeachment of then President Nixon (Anderson 350). In 1967, in New
York, roughly 3000 rioters pelted police with bottles, stones, and eggs.
In this time of turmoil, Bob Dylan again wrote another song which would
forever define the plights of this generation. In "The Times They Are
A'Changin," he uses metaphors, such as running water, open-eyed writers and
critics, and clueless senators and congressmen. He calls for the parents
of these rebellious students to not criticize them, for they can never
understand the battle that their ...
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The Turbulent Sixties. (2006, April 20). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Turbulent-Sixties/44691
"The Turbulent Sixties." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 20 Apr. 2006. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Turbulent-Sixties/44691>
"The Turbulent Sixties." Essayworld.com. April 20, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Turbulent-Sixties/44691.
"The Turbulent Sixties." Essayworld.com. April 20, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Turbulent-Sixties/44691.
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