The Beat Generation: They Were Hipsters Not Beatniks

Title: The Beat Generation: They Were Hipsters Not Beatniks
Author: Diane M. Huddleston
Faculty Advisor: John L. Rector
Date: 1/1/2012
Abstract: The tragedy of the Beat Generation is that it was misunderstood, and the media perpetuated this misunderstanding, either out of ignorance or on purpose. The media, in trying to explain what the Beats were about, got it wrong and promoted a simplified, inaccurate stereotype that obscured their philosophy and minimized their contributions to literature and culture. The Beats identified with the hipsters of that time, but were transformed into cartoon characters called beatniks which became a juvenile fad that was not taken seriously.
Type: Text
Keywords: beat generation; beat poets; nonconformists beatniks; white negro; obscenity; anti-intellectuals
Language: eng
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/09/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Department: History
Identifier: his/4
Bibliographic Citation: Huddleston, Diane M. "The Beat Generation: They Were Hipsters Not Beatniks." Department of History seminar paper, Western Oregon University, 2012.