What were some symbols of American culture in the 1920s?
1 Answer
It was symbolised in a number of ways.
Explanation:
Prohibition had a major impact. When the sale of alcohol was outlawed a huge criminal bootlegging industry developed to fill the void. Gangsters such as Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and Vito Genovese became household names.
In turn they became an important part of American cinema. Initially stars of the silent screen such as Rudolf Valentino dominated. However as talking pictures became the norm, stars such as Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney became famous for representing the gangsters of real American life.
Jazz was also an important symbol of 1920's American culture. A significant part of jazz reflected black music but this was at a time when the USA was a highly segregated society even in the north.
It is ironic that the first talkie The Jazz Singer, in 1927 starred Al Jolson with a blacked up face.
In fashion there were flappers and women having their hair bobbed. This was personified by Clara Bow as the IT girl.
American culture also reflected the Wall Street crash both in films, literature and song "Buddy can you spare a dime."
