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Last weekend, Prime Video released “The Idea of You” (Michael Showalter, 2024), a rom-com based on fanfiction featuring Harry Styles, Prince Harry, and Tom Hiddleston. The film follows the romance between Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mother, and Hayes Cambell (Nicholas Galitzine), the 24-year-old lead singer of the teen band August Moon. The movie garnered attention for its portrayal of the taboo surrounding an older woman’s sexuality. However, let’s delve on its roots, before the pollination.
youth culture and teen idols
Youth culture, as we know it today, began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Western societies. The concept of distinct youth culture emerged alongside industrialization and urbanization, which brought about significant changes in social structures, education, and leisure activities. Following World War II, youth culture became increasingly pronounced and identifiable, spurred by a surge in youth population, economic prosperity, and technological advancements. Within this culture, teen idols have played a significant role, representing recurrent subcultures that captivate teenage audiences, often driven by hormonal influences.
pioneers
Franz Liszt, a Hungarian pianist from the 19th century, inspired the phenomenon known as 'Lisztomania,' which describes the fervent adoration of teen girls towards him.
Roger Wolfe Kahn is regarded as the first modern-day American teen idol. At the age of sixteen, he launched his first jazz band in 1924, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma.
Geraldine Farrar, an American opera singer, garnered a dedicated following of fans known as 'Gerry-flappers' in the early 20th century.
Rudy Vallée is recognized as the first American popular singer to be idolized by hundreds of teenage girls. His sold-out concerts and hits in 1929 cemented his status as a teen idol.
Frank Sinatra, in the 1940s, appealed to 'bobby soxers,' teenage girls who earned their nickname from dancing in their bobby socks to prevent their shoes from damaging the dance floor.
rebellious youth (1950s-1960s)
James Dean is synonymous with rebellious youth, particularly after his iconic performance in 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955) and his tragic death in a road collision the same year.
Elvis Presley burst onto the scene in the Golden Era, captivating female audiences with his sensational performances. Despite concerns about his provocative dance moves, Presley became a cultural sensation.
The 1960s marked a period of turbulence and revolution, with significant movements such as second-wave feminism, civil rights, and the Stonewall riots. Icons like Dean and Presley were joined by Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Troy Donahue, and others, shaping the Golden Age of Hollywood heartthrobs. In music, artists like Ricky Nelson and the Beatles dominated the scene, while British rock bands like The Rolling Stones adopted a rebellious image. Bob Dylan made the audience more political aware.
Female teenage icons also emerged, including Mary Quant, Marianne Faithfull, Janis Joplin, Marylin Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Sophia Loren, Natalie Wood, and Brigitte Bardot. These women introduced the ideal of a modern woman, even though many of them were victims of the male gaze.
Films of the era addressed pressing social issues, with movies like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962) and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' (1967) sparking conversations about race, gender, and generational conflict.
urban lifestyle (1970s)
The 1970s witnessed a cultural landscape influenced by the rebelliousness of previous generations, epitomized by characters like John Travolta's blend of James Dean and Elvis Presley personas. This era also saw the rise of working-class urban heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Al Pacino, leading to the emergence of antiheroes and stories set in gritty urban environments, exemplified by narratives centred on gangsters.
Hollywood capitalized on the post-civil rights era by creating the impactful but short-lived genre of "Blaxploitation," which featured African American protagonists empowered both aesthetically, with glamorous costumes influenced by the Black Panthers, and attitude-wise.
Additionally, the 1970s saw the rise of glam rock, characterized by male musicians donning flamboyant and feminine attire, makeup, and hairstyles, while female musicians often adopted masculine clothing. This movement sparked discussions around gender and androgyny, paving the way for future movements like punk and New Romantics. Icons of this era include David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
Female Power (1980s)
The 1980s marked a significant shift towards female empowerment, following the groundwork laid by previous decades. Icons like Madonna and Cindy Lauper emerged as trailblazers in music, with Madonna's four-decade career reflecting personal growth and advocating for themes of identity, empowerment, and societal change. Her fearless approach to taboo topics revolutionized the female gaze and challenged societal norms. Similarly, Lauper's eccentricity and support for the LGBT+ community during the AIDS epidemic made her a symbol of empowerment.
The decade also witnessed the rise of Latin American phenomenon Menudo, akin to the Beatles' influence, paving the way for future musical movements.
In cinema, the 1980s saw a surge in teen comedies like "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and "Sixteen Candles." Additionally, the era was marked by teen horror films such as "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th," alongside action-packed blockbusters like "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Die Hard." Coming-of-age dramas, including "Stand by Me," "The Goonies," and "Dirty Dancing," were also prevalent, reflecting the diverse interests and tastes of audiences during the era.
Girl Groups and Boy Bands (1990s)
The 1990s saw the lasting impact of MTV's influence from the 1980s, with boy bands and girl groups dominating the music scene. Acts like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Spice Girls, and Destiny's Child rose to prominence, alongside the introduction of Latin American talent such as Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Shakira The decade also marked the emergence of Whitney Houston and pop princess Britney Spears as the first heiress of Madonna.
Cult classic films like "Clueless," "10 Things I Hate About You," and "She's All That" captivated audiences, alongside iconic teen comedies like "Never Been Kissed" and "American Pie." The decade also saw heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio, who captured the hearts of a generation with his role in "Titanic" (1997).
multimedia (2000s-2010s)
The early 2000s witnessed a cultural explosion with the rise of teen movies and various media platforms, including the internet. Disney and Nickelodeon stars like Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and Zac Efron, alongside emerging talents from shows like "Drake & Josh", "iCarly," “Victorious,” “Zoey 101”, dominated the entertainment industry. Additionally, fantasy franchises like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Twilight captivated audiences worldwide.
Musically, the era saw the emergence of Madonna-inspired artists like Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Rihanna, as well as boy bands and girl groups following in the footsteps of icons like the Spice Girls like Jonas Brothers, Fifth Harmony, Little Mix. Male icons like Justin Bieber and One Direction rose to prominence, shaping the pop landscape.
In cinema, a mix of teen dramedies like "Mean Girls", “The Princess Diaries” and "A Walk to Remember," along with popular teen comedies such as “Juno” and “She’s The Man” entertained audiences with their relatable stories and characters. As well as wide range of teen TV with the O.C (2003-2007), 90210 (2008-2013), One Tree Hill (2003-2012), Gossip Girl (2007-2012), Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017), The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017), and Glee (2009-2015).
diversity (2020s)
While it's still early to fully gauge the current adolescence, certain elements are already noteworthy. The prevalence of internet and streaming platforms as primary means of communication has ushered in a globalized world, impacting the cultural tastes of this generation. This is evident in the diverse musical preferences, from the Korean Invasion to Reggaeton and Måneskin.
Moreover, today's teen icons leverage their platforms to address a myriad of pressing issues faced by this politically aware generation. Topics such as race/ethnicity, gender equality, toxic masculinity, sexuality, body positivity, and mental health are actively discussed and advocated for. This reflects the evolving consciousness and activism among today's youth.
reflection
From the 1960s onwards, diverse teen idols, mentioned and others, played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of generations. They not only provided inspiration and resonance for their young audiences but also served as the catalyst for many individuals' first experiences of sexual awakening.
"The Idea of You" skilfully portrays the repression of female sexuality, particularly in older women, within the context of societal expectations in the Western world. Teen icons often faced condemnation from parents and religious institutions and became targets of envy and hate from other males, often masked behind hate and homophobia.
This nuanced exploration highlights the multifaceted nature of the teenage idol phenomenon and its intersection with broader societal norms and challenges.
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