Vietnam War Influence On American Culture

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Vietnam War: Influence on American Culture The Vietnam War was a highly controversial war that sent America into shock. Many of those living in America felt as if the nation did not need to get involved due to several reasoning's. One of them being that America had been involved in World War II and that war had just ended. Another reason was that Americans found it hard to comprehend how a war taking place 8,000 miles away was defending America. Controversy about the war sparked movements across America, especially among the youth. The youth of the sixties was heavily involved in politics, they started protesting and had rallies. Even bands and singers got involved in protests by writing songs about things pertaining to the war. Artists created…show more content…
When America initially became involved in the war, much of America were not paying attention. Implemented by the government in 1962, the draft inspired famous musicians to write songs that grew to become popular and swayed the people of America. “The Vietnam War was accompanied every step of the way by an anti-war soundtrack that touched on every tone—melancholy and touching, enraged and sarcastic, fearful and resigned—and that captured the long demoralizing impact of this war” (Candaele). Liked by many in anti-war Americans as well as soldiers overseas fighting in the war, “Fixin’ To Die Rag,” by Country Joe and the Fish became a popular in America. “... it became extremely popular as a song that said everything about the public’s antagonism against the war and it sort of reflected what public opinion was all about” (Paul). Despite the criticism towards then and even up till now, the Woodstock music festival was significant to the youth culture and protesting at the time. The festival was more than what meets the eye. It was not just throngs of people gathering for music, rather it was a symbol of the counterculture that was created, freedom and brought together those who wanted peace. “... it was tired to a particular image of youth as part of the population who could transform the existing cultural and political order, could potentially create the basis for a culture in which peace was valued over war ...” (Smith.edu). Music has always been a prime form of self expression. Throughout this time in history, music was a prominent source of asseveration. “Not only has music been a direct means of anti-war protest, but the culture of peace and love, seen especially in the Woodstock festival, has also pervaded the minds of the public” (Hopkins). However, music was not the only media being used to protest against the

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