John Lennon's Influence on American Culture

 

"If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal."

 -John Lennon

The culture revolution had already begun. The 1960s had brought about some of the most dramatic changes of youth culture in history. The 70s continued with the ideals of the 60s that started the rejection of conservative social norms. Rock music was the most influential type of music and was divided into 7 sub groups: soft rock, hard rock, country rock, folk rock, punk rock shock rock, and disco. This musical era related closely to many American citizens and their journey to essentially control their own destinies, where as the songs contributed to that hope. A huge influence to the culture change came from The Beatles. However in the 70s when the Beatles broke up, John Lennon embarked on a solo carrier. Lennon was known as one of the most influential people of the decade. 

Lennon was a political activist that wrote music which was highly relatable to the American people. Despite the fact that he was a millionaire, Lennon usually identified himself as a part of the working class and portrayed the struggles of that life in his music. Lennon was very much against the war and fought for civil rights as well. Songs like “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” and “Give Peace a Chance” were meant to open the American eyes to the possibilities of their future.  “Give Peace a Chance” turned into the anti-war anthem of the Vietnam War. These songs made the Nixon administration very upset so they tried to find ways to deport him but their attempts failed. Lennon played a part in the women’s activism too. The songs “Woman is the Nigger of the World” and “Sisters O Sisters” were meant to awaken to women of the world to notice the inequality of society.  Lennon’s main goal was to promote peace and the production of the song “Imagine” was used as a symbol of hope to many people. With this song, conveyed the socialist visions by urging the population to create a peaceful world, one without war or controversial ideals such as country borders, religion, or private property.

Many American youth of the time followed the ideals of John Lennon. However despite his popularity, Lennon was shot in 1980. Many Americans mourned the death of Lennon and some still mourn of his death today. The reason why people today still admire Lennon is because he took risks with his carrier and his life. Lennon’s songs did not hold back on society and were full scale attacks on what Lennon believed was wrong with the world. Despite the angry messages in a few of his songs, Lennon gave hope to his fans during his life and after his death.

Sources:

"American Cultural History - 1970-1979 "Web. 11/18/2012 <http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade70.html>.

"Imagine' by John Lennon – World Socialist Movement "Web. 11/18/2012 <http://www.worldsocialism.org/articles/imagine_by_john_lennon.php>.

"John Lennon - Wikimedia Foundation - Google Books "Web. 11/18/2012 <http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=2xYaoRsBk8kC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=john+lennon+music+movement&ots=J4srePk84j&sig=if38Qj9j7g010cKhlIz_4dpP7n4#v=onepage&q=john lennon music movement&f=false>.