Culture remains a
dynamic process, a constant interchange between the past and present. [1]
During the mid to late 20th century Americans are still trying to
identify themselves and establish a culture of their own. With the expansion and modernization of
industry and technology, the culture of America began separating itself from
the traditions of the past and embraced the new wave of technological advances
and innovation that was sweeping the nation.
These innovations brought about a time of prosperity for the country and
a drastic increase in consumerism throughout the whole of American society. Between 1945 and 1972 the UAW and indeed all
of America experienced “golden years” economically [2]
The car culture in America, beginning in the 1950’s is a good example of a
new theme in the expression of one’s individualism. During the 1950’s, the car was an expression
of freedom at a time in American life when autonomy was in retreat [3] Vehicles
could now be accessorized and customized to match the self-image a person was
trying to covey. While homes and
neighborhoods were key signifiers of class and income, the automobile was more
than that, it was status on wheels. [4] Car enthusiasts were able to create a
culture surrounding this relatively new technology which was proudly being made
in America, at least for now.
Another technological advance that was integral in shaping the culture of
America, from its inception to present day society, is the television. Television has been the main catalyst for
American consumerism for the past 60 years.
Products seen on television shows or advertising commercials are
purchased by the public due to the sales pitch shown on the screen. The television also shaped the social and
political structure we have today. In
the 1960’s Vietnam became the first “televised” war. The horrors of war could now be shown to an
American public that was not accustomed to seeing this level of brutality. War was no longer seen as a patriotic,
romantic endeavor and to some it was viewed as raw American aggression. The story of nineteenth-century native
resistance provided a homegrown model for opposition to the American military
imperialism that protestors saw in Vietnam. [5] By capturing historic events on
camera and transmitting those images into millions of American homes, the
domestic and foreign policies of this nation were forever changed. Topics such as civil rights, humanitarian
relief, war, politics, economy, religion, etc. have been addressed many times
on television programs in the past six decades and many of these have seen
positive results from the attention in regards to changing public opinion. 
Advancements in technology from the 1950’s to the present have brought cultural
change to America at a faster pace than in the years before. Culture is now being measured in decades due
to technological advancements that make the previous decade’s technology
obsolete. Television has been joined by
the internet and other forms of communication in shaping what culture is in
America today. Since the 1950’s,
technology has been America’s greatest attribute in many fields including
defense, innovation and invention. It
has made our country the world’s leading superpower for many years. Increasing dependence on technology, however,
has created a potential Achilles heel.
America’s greatest strength could become its greatest weakness.
[2] John Heitmann, The Automobile and American Life, Jefferson, NC:
McFarland & Company, 2009, 149.
[3] John Heitmann, The Automobile and American Life, Jefferson, NC:
McFarland & Company, 2009, 135.
[4] John Heitmann, The Automobile and American Life, Jefferson, NC:
McFarland & Company, 2009, 137.
[5] Philip J. Deloria, Playing Indian, (New Haven: Yale Historical Publications,
1998), 159.
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