In the 1960’s, America went through a turbulent time. As the cold war with the Communists went on, America fought in proxy war against the Vietnamese communists from 2394 to 123, which caused additional national problems. The civil rights movement divided the nation and increased violence and confrontations up into the late 60’s in most parts of America. Free speech and Antiwar-movements went through America and consequently shaped the society. A new type of people evolved: the Hippies. They fought grievance non-violently and reminded America of one of its most distinctive characteristics – individual freedom. This new mentality is expressed in the movie “Easy Rider” by Dennis Hopper. The movie is about two friends, Wyatt and Billy, who receive a lot of money through a drug trade in Los Angeles. With that money, they want to realize one of their dreams: a motorcycle tour across the United States to Carnival in New Orleans. Easy Rider, released in 1968, can be seen as a primary source, with which I am going to argue that Easy Rider defines the American Freedom in contrast to the tense political and social situation of the 1960s. “What the hell is wrong with freedom? That's what it's all about.” A definition of the American freedom is that the citizens of the United States may live their individuality however they desire as long as it happens within the frame of the constitutional law. Wyatt and Bill life after the law of the nation but not after the unwritten law of the society of the 1960s: They have long hair and smoke weed. They are what many people at this time consider hippies: People who do not fit into the society, neither by their opinions nor their appearance. Billy’s and Wyatt’s comparably free mindset can already be observed by the fact that they are willing to put themselves in danger in order to life their freedom. Living the extends of their freedom means to them, that they experience America, the host country of what the whole world imagines as a symbol of freedom. The film exposes the contrast between the new movements and the conservatives in various scenes. One of the scenes introduces the intolerance which the two friends are going to experience during their trip.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the 1960s Context
2. Easy Rider as a Primary Source
3. Definition of American Freedom
4. The Clash of Social Movements
5. Individual Freedom and Social Context
6. Societal Transformation and Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work examines how the 1968 film "Easy Rider" serves as a primary source to define the concept of American Freedom during the turbulent socio-political landscape of the 1960s in the United States.
- Analysis of the 1960s American cultural and political climate.
- The role of the hippie subculture as an expression of individual freedom.
- Conflict between conservative societal norms and new movements.
- Character transformation and the quest for independence.
Excerpt from the Book
The American Freedom of Easy Rider
A definition of the American freedom is that the citizens of the United States may live their individuality however they desire as long as it happens within the frame of the constitutional law. Wyatt and Bill life after the law of the nation but not after the unwritten law of the society of the 1960s: They have long hair and smoke weed. They are what many people at this time consider hippies: People who do not fit into the society, neither by their opinions nor their appearance.
Billy’s and Wyatt’s comparably free mindset can already be observed by the fact that they are willing to put themselves in danger in order to life their freedom. Living the extends of their freedom means to them, that they experience America, the host country of what the whole world imagines as a symbol of freedom.
The film exposes the contrast between the new movements and the conservatives in various scenes. One of the scenes introduces the intolerance which the two friends are going to experience during their trip. When the white conservative motel owner opens the door for the two Harley Davidson riders, he looks at them shortly and slams the doors in front of them. Hence, Billy and Wyatt get used to the fact that they are not accepted and sleep outside from thereon.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the 1960s Context: Outlines the historical background of the 1960s, including the Cold War, the Vietnam conflict, and the emergence of the civil rights and anti-war movements.
2. Easy Rider as a Primary Source: Introduces the film as a cultural artifact that reflects the tension between established society and emerging countercultural mentalities.
3. Definition of American Freedom: Explores the clash between constitutional legal rights and the unwritten societal norms of the era regarding individual behavior.
4. The Clash of Social Movements: Discusses the intolerance faced by the protagonists from conservative sectors and the physical manifestation of these ideological differences.
5. Individual Freedom and Social Context: Examines how the characters interact with wider groups, such as the hippie commune, to highlight the drive for self-sufficiency.
6. Societal Transformation and Conclusion: Analyzes the failed acceptance of new ideals and the tragic ultimate confrontation between subcultures and conservative forces.
Keywords
Easy Rider, 1960s, American Freedom, Hippie, Counterculture, Social movements, Conservatism, Dennis Hopper, Individualism, Civil Rights, Subculture, Vietnam War, Rebellion, Social change, Non-violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this work?
The work focuses on interpreting the movie "Easy Rider" as a lens through which to view the socio-political struggles for freedom and identity in 1960s America.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The key themes include the tension between conservative society and subcultures, the definition of American liberty, the rejection of violent societal norms, and the search for personal autonomy.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to argue that "Easy Rider" defines the American concept of freedom by contrasting it against the tense social and political atmosphere of the 1960s.
Which scientific method is applied?
The paper utilizes a historical-analytical approach, treating the film as a primary source to draw conclusions about the era's social dynamics.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the evolution of the hippie subculture, the intolerant response of the conservative majority, and the transformation of characters like George when exposed to new ideologies.
Which keywords define the work?
The paper is characterized by terms such as 1960s, American Freedom, Counterculture, Social movements, and Individualism.
How does the movie illustrate the divide in 1960s America?
The movie illustrates this divide through specific scenes, such as the rejection of the protagonists by a motel owner, representing the clash between traditional and alternative lifestyles.
What does the character transition of George represent?
George's transition represents the potential for the conservative class to bridge the gap toward new mentalities, ultimately signaling a broader transformation of society.
Why was the "new freedom" rejected at the time?
It was rejected because it challenged established, unwritten societal laws and appearances, leading to physical confrontations and intolerance from those who felt threatened by these changes.
- Quote paper
- Axel Stelter (Author), 2008, The American Freedom of Easy Rider , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/120235
