1950s Popular Culture in Canada
Teens, T.V., Suburbs, Music, New Products, Sports & Fashion
Canadian Family Watching T.V.
Televisions revolutionized popular culture in Canada in the 1950s. In particular, home life dramatically changed with the introduction of the T.V. to the home.
1) How is this picture of watching television to access entertainment and news different from life today?
2) What similarities are there?
T.V. Commericals - New Products for the Canadian Family
Television meant that Canadians started watching commercials in between programming. Commercials often featured new products that were targeted at families. Watch the commercials below.
1) Identify three strategies/features used in these commercials that helped to persuade family audiences to buy the new products.
2) How are advertisements different today?
Commercials for New Products
M. & Mrs. Potato Head (& other Hasbro Toys)
Watch this video:
Swanson T.V. Dinner
Watch this video:
Rice Krispies Cereal
Watch this video:
Coca-Cola Soft Drink - 1954
Kool Aid Drink
DeSoto Car
Music in the 1950s
Watch each of the videos below.
1) Write a sentence that describes rock and roll music using four adjectives?
2) What worried parents about this new kind of music?
Elvis Presley Sings Hound Dog
Paul Anka - "Diana"
Bill Haley - Rock Around the Clock
1950s Music Legend - Oscar Peterson
Popular Slang in the 1950s
1) Using the slang (on screen) of the 1950s, write 2 or 3 sentences. (on class screen)
Fashion and Fads in the 1950s
1)Look at the images below of 1950s fashion and fads. What was life was like in the 1950s? Provide three insights based on the images.