Get in the mindset

The 1950's was a very different time from now, full of change for everyone and the beginning of a new era. This new post war era gave teenagers a lot more freedom and they began creating their own independant culture. Before this, teenagers weren't even their own age group because they were really just older children. Even though many things have changed for teenagers since the 50’s, some things have stayed the same. The biggest difference between teenagers then and now is obviously the internet. The internet has eliminated many activities a 50’s teenager would do, like drive-in theaters and actual conversations with people in person. But if we compare television then and internet now, it’s not that different. They're both the new technologies of the time and teenagers have been the first to truly embrace it. Because of this, teenage culture has always been very media driven, with popular music and fashion trends originating from movies, radio and T.V. But then things like slang and fashion have definitely changed. A few slang terms from the 50’s have survived through to modern day, like to burn rubber, bug (you bug me) and being on cloud 9, but most would sound crazy now. Fashion is in a similar situation, the most popular styles are still thriving or have been revived, like stiletto high heels and peplum waistlines, but fleeting fashions such as poodle skirts and DA haircuts have long died out. Basically, being a teenager hasn't changed very much, we still love our technology and music, the newest stuff we can get our hands on, the only thing that has changed is what we do with these things and the most basic concepts of what these technologies are.