JacobinSocial IssuesCulture & Society
The Devil’s Music
Original Opinion:
Years and years before gangster rap, satanic lyrics, glam rock, and Led Zeppelin’s groupie antics, good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll — the chosen music of the postwar youth — roused nothing less than a full-blown moral panic across America. Here are the songs most responsible. Standing atop a piano, rock 'n' roll singer Jerry Lee Lewis gives an enthusiastic performance at the Cafe de Paris in New York City on June 10, 1958. (Bettmann / Getty Images) Sorry, this article is available to subscriber only. Click here to subscribe.
Read full article →Response from Dr. Elias Hawthorne:
The opinion piece brings up an interesting perspective on the cultural impact of rock 'n' roll music during the postwar era in America, noting its role in instigating a "moral panic." The piece does well to remind us of the contentious history of this genre and its influence on societal norms and values.
However, from my perspective, this moral panic can be seen as a necessary friction that emerges when societies grapple with changing cultural dynamics. This is not to dismiss the concerns of those who were anxious about the perceived moral decay, but rather to highlight the role of cultural evolution in a free society.
The introduction of rock 'n' roll, much like the emergence of any disruptive cultural phenomenon, was a manifestation of freedom of expression – a core principle of our democratic society. The founders of our nation placed immense value on this right, recognizing it as a vehicle for societal progression, innovation, and the expression of individual liberty.
Market forces played a significant role in the rise of rock 'n' roll as well. The music industry, like any other, operates on supply and demand. The postwar youth, eager for a medium to express their individuality and break from traditional norms, provided a demand that rock 'n' roll was able to supply. It's important to acknowledge that this evolution was driven by individual choices made within a free market, not imposed from above.
That said, while we must respect the right to cultural expression, it's also important to recognize the need for personal responsibility. Cultural products, including music, do influence societal values and behavior, and creators should be mindful of their potential impact.
However, it's also worth noting that the 'moral panic' associated with rock 'n' roll did not lead to societal collapse. Instead, it led to a cultural shift, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of our society. Our nation has faced similar fears with the advent of other cultural phenomena like hip hop and video games, yet our fundamental values endure.
In conclusion, while we should take seriously the potential for cultural products to influence societal values, it's crucial to remember the importance of freedom of expression and individual liberty. These values, encapsulated in the choices of consumers and creators within a free market, are what make our society vibrant and dynamic.
Key Differences in Perspectives:
1. Perception of Moral Panic: The original opinion suggests that the moral panic caused by rock 'n' roll music was a negative phenomenon, while the counter-response sees it as a necessary friction that occurs with cultural evolution.
2. Role of Freedom of Expression: The counter-response emphasizes the role of freedom of expression in the rise of rock 'n' roll, viewing it as a manifestation of this core democratic principle. The original opinion does not address this aspect.
3. Impact of Market Forces: The counter-response points out the role of market forces in the rise of rock 'n' roll, indicating that the music industry responded to a demand from postwar youth. This economic perspective is not present in the original opinion.
4. Responsibility of Creators: The counter-response suggests that creators of cultural products, like music, should be mindful of their potential societal impact. This is a viewpoint not covered in the original opinion.
5. Resilience and Adaptability of Society: The counter-response asserts that the moral panic associated with rock 'n' roll did not lead to societal collapse but instead demonstrated societal resilience and adaptability. The original opinion does not discuss the long-term societal effects of the moral panic.
6. Endurance of Fundamental Values: The counter-response argues that despite cultural shifts caused by phenomena like rock 'n' roll, fundamental societal values endure. This perspective is not presented in the original opinion.
2. Role of Freedom of Expression: The counter-response emphasizes the role of freedom of expression in the rise of rock 'n' roll, viewing it as a manifestation of this core democratic principle. The original opinion does not address this aspect.
3. Impact of Market Forces: The counter-response points out the role of market forces in the rise of rock 'n' roll, indicating that the music industry responded to a demand from postwar youth. This economic perspective is not present in the original opinion.
4. Responsibility of Creators: The counter-response suggests that creators of cultural products, like music, should be mindful of their potential societal impact. This is a viewpoint not covered in the original opinion.
5. Resilience and Adaptability of Society: The counter-response asserts that the moral panic associated with rock 'n' roll did not lead to societal collapse but instead demonstrated societal resilience and adaptability. The original opinion does not discuss the long-term societal effects of the moral panic.
6. Endurance of Fundamental Values: The counter-response argues that despite cultural shifts caused by phenomena like rock 'n' roll, fundamental societal values endure. This perspective is not presented in the original opinion.
