Topic 2: Cho Cho, Gavin, Mallory

"Catcher in the Rye" has come under fire numerous times since its publication in 1951. Some of the schools banned that book because it had excess vulgar language, sexual scenes, things concerning issues. Also, excessive violence and anything dealing with the occult. It was the most frequently banned book in schools between 1966 and 1975. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a teacher was fired for assigning the book to 11th grader English class. Not only was it banned from schools some parents didn’t even want here kids reading it themselves.

Topic 2: Jenna, Austin, Damian

Catcher in the rye had such an impact on the 20th century simply because it was different. It showed a different side to teens and young adults then other books of its time and caused many teens to rebel. While it gave a look into the lives and situations young adults faced at the time it made those situations (i.e. give a girl the time, or drop out) seem like the normal thing to do. Because of this and other things (i.e. explicit language, scenes, and moral issues) catcher in the rye was banned from libraries and most curriculums. People were even killing because of this book, like Mark Chapman, who killed John Lennon because he thought in doing so he would become one of Holden’s guardian angels. But still people flocked to the book, namely teens and young adults, because they could relate to Holden, his situations, or his feelings. People today still feel as though they can relate to this story and have continued to keep it a popular read in the 21st century.

Topic 2: Maddi, Ashley, Josh

The Catcher in the Rye is perhaps one of the most controversial books of all time, due to the explicit scenes, vulgar language, and things concerning moral issues. For around eleven years, between 1966 and 1975, The Catcher in the Rye had been banned. But why then, was it the number 1 novel on the New York Times best-seller list when it was published in 1951? Because it is an amazing book.
The book is so controversial because some schools deemed in as anti-white, and it violated codes on excessive offensive language and violence. For example, when Holden and Stradlater got into a fight “Then he really let one go at me, and the next thing I knew I was on the goddam floor again. I don’t remember if he knocked me out or not, but I don’t think so. It’s pretty hard to knock a guy out, except in the goddam movies. But my nose was bleeding all over the place.” ( Salinger 58 ) Although, this book was published for adults, and it has been translated into almost all the world’s major languages. Over 250,000 copies are sold each year, and total sales of 65 million. So once again, why should this book be banned when everyone loves it, just because someone doesn’t like a certain point of view on the novel?


information:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye
http://classiclit.about.com/od/catcherintherye/Catcher_in_the_Rye_JD_Salinger.htm

Topic 2: Mariah, Addie, Tyler History of the Novel--what makes it such a controversial book?

As we all know, there is a lot of controversy centered on the Catcher in the Rye. It is one of the most challenged books. It has been banned from school curriculum, libraries, and even some bookstores. This is because many believe it makes wrong things seem okay. For example, pre-marital sex was greatly frowned upon during the ‘50s (and still is by most) and this book made it seem like it was okay to go against that to the people who read it. Catcher in the Rye also makes it seem like it’s okay not to try in school and that it’s okay to drop out as long as you’re doing what you believe is right. Will Emaus said (www.helium.com/items/1753728-heres-my-card), “Teenagers learning from the book find it acceptable to delay their progress into adulthood and detour down the road of rebelliousness. Catcher in the Rye was pushed to teenagers as something to aspire to.” Will Emaus also states that Catcher in the Rye was written for adults, not teenagers. It has adult language and sexual activity content that wasn’t meant for teenagers to read. All in all, most believe Catcher in the Rye compromises and goes against the morals most people try to have.

Another reason why Catcher in the Rye is so controversial is because there have been some criminal activities where the book has somehow been involved. For example, Mark Chapman killed John Lennon and then handed a copy of the book to the police officer and stated, “This is why I killed John Lennon.” Another case like this deals with Robert John Bardo who fell in love, stalked, and then later killed Rebecca Schaeffer because of the Catcher in the Rye (according to him). Thirdly, John Hinckler plotted to kill president Ronald Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster (but failed), and said that Catcher in the Rye was his favorite book. This has thrown a lot of fear and worry into the controversy around Catcher in the Rye. People feel that if an unstable person reads the book it will push them over the edge, like shown in the cases above.

Topic 2: History of the novel

Why did this book have such an impact on Americans of the 20th century and today? Here are some suggestions to get you thinking: Look for information on book reviews when it was published in 1951, link interviews with current writers that were affected by Holden and add them to your post. How did teenagers react to the book when it was first published? Why was the book banned? Are there letters readers wrote to the author? See if you can find some reasons for why this book is the most banned book and why it is so controversial.

First group post DUE: By 10PM on Thursday 3/31
First 2 responses due: By 10PM on Monday 4/4

Topic 1 Post: Gavin, Mallory, Cho Cho

Back in 1949 teens had more freedom, loved listening and dancing to music. Teenagers were able to buy more things like food, clothes and music because of an increase in spending money. Teenagers were expected to take life seriously. Males were supposed to go off to war or at least find a job so they can bring money into their family. But the females were taught to be housewives and take care of children, more preparing for a family instead of a job or career. The females were also very proper and formal, using words like "yes, sir" or "no, sir." The boys usually dressed in Levi jeans and a button down shirt, while the females wore dresses and skirts. Teens didn’t care what their parents listened to. They listened to the music of the new decade, rock and roll. Rock and roll had light melodies, sweet lyrics, and wholesome singers. Most of the songs in the early fifties had a “feel good” tune to them, these songs reflected the mood of post World War II in America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veyPHzxNjog&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 (Example of a song from the early 1950's)

The income for teens back then wasn't very much at all, basically dirt poor. But the income for people who were like Holden's parents had somewhat of a lot of money, so they were able to spend it on nice things and to be able to send there kids to good colleges. Some of the most common slang in the early fifties were, "Why, I oughtta' pop you one!" "Make it snappy!" or "Say there sonny boy." the woman were also referred to as "broads" or "dames."

Your posts as a group!

Email your researched group responses and I will post them for you. This will make responding to other groups' work much more efficient.

Thank you!

My email: ahansen@cca.k12.ia.us

Topic 1 Post: Maddi, Ashley, Josh

What do the words fashion, cars, and music all have in common? They were all major influences in the 1950s, and they have made great impacts on today’s modern world. In the decade after the conclusion of World War II, America was ready for innovation and change of pace in everyday culture.
Fashion is what set off this revolution. Two major groups began to form: Greasers vs. the Preps. Greaser’s attire would tend to be suede leather jackets and pants, along with denim clothing. Their trademark Greaser look was to be edgy and rough, with sleek hairstyles. On the hand, the Preps were known to look tidy and fresh. Pressed jeans and fancy cardigans were the main dress for the boys, and the girls wore poofed out circular skirts, matched with tight fitting scoop-neck blouses, accessorized with a lovely scarf.
As teens were dressing diverse, the technology of music world was changing as well. Most music consisted of Rhythm, Blues, and Country. But after the war, this started to change to Bluegrass, Pop and most importantly Rock N’ Roll. Teens loved it because it made them more energetic, and full of life, having more fun than they ever had before. Most music was played on a phonograph, with was considered a piece of furniture in most households. The sounds were sketchy, and they records were large. In this era though, they became a much better quality, in both aspects of audio and formatting more songs onto the record itself. They record players were also becoming much smaller, and inexpensive, so teens could have one in their rooms. Radios were generally on the same route. They were beginning to show up in cars more often, and lowing in price too. Thus resulting in, “Rock N’ Roll”. And lets not forget to mention the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley.
A great site to go to, and have an idea what the Do’s and Don’ts were like at the time for relationships back then, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4K8vcPpiU&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Information gathered from: Wikipedia
Esto.es/rock/English/history.htm

Topic 1 Post: Mariah, Addie, Tyler

Teenage Life
• 1940s- parents were very strict.
o Boys- military/find job to support family
o Girls- take care of house, marriage > education, not allowed to date until 16
• 1950s- teens got more freedom because the economy started booming and the expectations started to change. Both boys and girls were encouraged to attend college.

“Slang”
• Most teenagers talked like Holden.
o The big cheese- the top guy
o Broad- chick
o The cat’s meow- splendid or stylish
o Chrome-dome- bald guy
o Heebie jeebies- jitters
o Kisser- mouth
o Jalopy- old car
o Skip/skipped- to skip town
o Call-girl- hooker
o Beef- “you got beef with me”
o Black and whites- police cars
o Book- “book him”/ arrest
www.alphadictionary.com/slang/

Fashion
• Men- the zoot suit
• Women- Women’s convertible suit
o Jacket
o Short skirt
o Blouse
• Teenagers- denim jeans, jean jackets, leather jackets
o Girls- poodle skirts, polka dots
o Guys- hair combed back
• After the war, Christian dior came out with a new look; long dresses, full skirts, and tight waists.

Music
• Listened to mostly Rock-n-Roll.
o Elvis Presley
o Little Richard
o Buddy Holly
• Also listened to pop.

Spare Time
• Danced (jitterbug)
• played cards
• dice games
• board games
• drive-in movies
• bowling
• sports
• girl/boy scouts
• little league baseball
• sitcoms (I Love Lucy, honeymooners, etc)

Random
• Average salary: $1,299
• Minimum wage: $.43/hr

Works Cited:
www.loti.com/fifties_history/teenage_life_in_the_1950s.htm
http://www.popculturemadness.com/Entertainment/Decades/50s-Music.html

Topic 1 Post: Damian, Jenna, Austin

They listened to new rock because they wanted to listen to their own music and became more rebellious. They wanted to listen to different music from their parents

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Evua1U7hdM&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Yes that is how they talked

Teens were greasers at the time and wore denim jeans. Idols include elivis, billy haily, greasers

Average income $1725

Topic 1: Historical Information

You are responsible for finding all the information you can about life in 1949. Here are some things you might want to think about: What was it like being a teenager in 1949? Holden's use of language is very distinct in the novel, is this the way most teenagers spoke at the time? How did they dress? What did they like to listen to? What occupied their time in the late '40s and early '50s? What was the median income? What was the median income for people like Holden's parents? You can include anything you want (links, information, statistics), as long as it’s connected to life in the late 1940s.

**Post your responses using the names of all of the members of your group, and don't forget to comment (individually) at least twice each week to other groups' responses.
Your first two responses (over Historical Information) to other groups' responses are due by the end of the day Tuesday 3/29.