The Role of Jazz in American 1920's Culture Essay

Over the years jazz music has revolutionized as it acts as a central part of the American culture. It has been popular since the 1920's, and many Americans have made it as part of their culture which builds their social life (2). Jazz music is said to sound as primitive, and this is because of its origin from the New Orleans which caused a significant diversification of individuals from many societies around the world.

It is also associated with a close examination of the way people around the American culture behave towards the music as well as the reflection that is portrayed in their lives. For instance, it has been known to have an enormous impact on people's way of living as it is fond of providing a certain means through which people can follow up (4). As a result, jazz music has also inspired the introduction of jazz poetry through which it impacts the literary world. Therefore, jazz music played a role in the culture of Americans in the 1920's through gain of more respect, skills to remain industrious, the awakening of talents, and avoidance of harmful projects as people had something they would embark on.

Jazz music in the 1920's was profoundly influenced by distinct factors such as economic, political and technological developments. With the new technological innovations and inventions, many artists were motivated to showcase their talents through jazz music, and this elevated their lifestyle and perception in the American society (3). As a result, America also reflected positive impacts on its economic growth and development as the jazz music had grown to greater heights. It also encouraged many African Americans to realize their potential in the jazz music which they took seriously and built themselves to become better people in the society.

In the American 1920's culture, jazz music influenced American's culture through the art of fashion. For instance, many people dressed in a particular manner to show that they were full supporters of the jazz music. Jazz music artists had a specific fashion in which they embraced, and as a result, this influenced the introduction of a particular culture which required people to dress similarly (4).

Additionally, the jazz music in the 1920's changed women's liberation movements which were started to act as a campaign for their rights. Through the lyrics, many women were influenced to start up campaigns which would bring in rebellion against the standards and values of the society. All these efforts sought to empower women to rise from their state of insubordination and claim a top spot in the community (5).

The jazz music also influenced America's culture through elevating the status of many Americans who were initially poor and quite unpopular. Listening to jazz music was associated with some class and modernity (1). As a result, many Americans listening to jazz music were motivated to gain popularity and work towards maintaining a particular status in life which earned them much respect from the surrounding society.

It was highly associated with African Americans who, through slavery, had been discriminated against and denied most of their rights. They, therefore, used jazz music to bring in a revolutionary change to their lifestyle and gain better respect from the society who now perceived them differently (6). In the American history for the first time, jazz music was now associated with modernity and high status in the society as opposed to the original association with a bottom culture which no one admired. As at that time, jazz music encouraged and influenced many people to feel good about themselves as they were now respected as citizens of America. Generally, jazz music soon gained respect as American art, and for this reason, many started to embrace the new culture that had been formed.

Jazz music also played a role in the recovery of the last generation in the 1920's American culture. The lost generation, in this case, represented the writers, musicians, artists and other intellectuals in the field of art (5). The generation had been lost as a result of the World War one which caused a disintegration of the many cultures which had previously been formed in America.

Many people at that point used jazz music to rediscover themselves and awaken the enormous potential that had been disintegrated as a result of the war. The destruction that had been caused brought so many illusions amongst factors such as peace, democracy, prosperity and other expressed doubts in the lives of Americans (7). Jazz music at this point was quite impactful because its presence gave the lost generation a start point through which they would develop themselves and build greater lives for themselves. At this point, they even discovered their artistic endeavors through jazz music and started working on their early careers.

Jazz music also played a role in the American culture through the creation of employment to many youths whose lives had been meaningless. They used the 'roaring twenties' period to establish themselves in a way that brought food to their table. For instance, many youths embarked on the purchase of electrical appliances to help them with jazz music, and this even realized an economic growth in America (3). Culture also changed as many people now had severe projects to work on instead of remaining idle and indulging in unworthy projects such as drug dealing or theft. The entertainment industry was changed as many transformations were realized as a result of jazz music.

Jazz music also played a role in the electrical industry. It is because many technological innovations brought about new appliances such as radios, guitars, televisions and other electronic devices which supported jazz music. These inventions changed the social lives of Americans and brought about an industrial culture which required many people to be creative enough so that the jazz music may progress and continue to change the lives of many Americans (10). For instance, jazz music also played a role in enabling musicians to have recordings of their songs and even use cameras to take photographs that would be used to market the music.

Listening to jazz music in the radios and televisions brought about cultural changes such as the introduction of civilizations amongst many Americans. The civilization aspect was realized through the constant listening of jazz music which through its lyrics inspired many people to live a better life (5). Also, the message moved in a faster way through the radios than before where one had to attend a musical concert or a nightclub to listen to jazz music. This state meant that at this point the exposure was high and many people, however, were now more conversant with jazz music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, jazz music had a significant role to play regarding the culture of the Americans in the 1920s. For instance, it revolutionized the lives of many African Americans whereby through it they found a source of employment. It changed their living standards as many would quickly earn a living. Also, jazz music played a role in improving the culture of Americans whereby they had the chance to enjoy the technological innovations and advancements which came up with the introduction of jazz music.

Also, the culture of Americans changed as most of them were inspired and motivated by listening to jazz music which taught them how to be more industrious and benefit their economy. Also, many people now gained respect from fellow Americans as they followed the beautiful messages that came along with listening to jazz music. Lastly, it also enabled women to realize their rights and fight for them through the organization of related campaigns.

Works Cited

Khan Academy. "American Culture in the 1920s." Khan Academy. 2018.

Lumen Learning. "A Culture of Change: The Jazz Age." Lumen Learning. 2018.

Philipp, Zola. "The Social Effects of Jazz." York College. 2017.

UMN. "A New Jazz Culture." UMN. 2018.