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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

A Short Look into James Dean's influence on Greaser Subculture


In his very short career, James Dean become an American icon in terms of style, representation, and cinema. His most famous role was Jim Stark in Rebel Without aCause, which shifted perceptions of American suburban teenagers. The movie was widely acclaimed, and has been celebrated as an American classic.

To my observations, I have been very critical towards Dean. His character hasn’t resonated with me, and his look, and style just doesn’t sit with me. Aesthetically, it is understandable why we was appealing to greasers, but as I took a closer look into his character, and the legacy Dean left behind, it was easier to see why he was so influential among greasers.

Delinquents such as Jim may have been portrayed in urban environments, the film showcased delinquency among middle class youth to prove that is can happen in any social class. It was also a statement for loss of moral in American youth.

Besides Stark’s style, it makes sense as to why Dean was so identifiable as not only an American icon, but a greaser icon. His quaffed hair, his fashion sense, and attachment to auto racing hobby attached him to greaser subculture. But Jim’s emotional confusion, and the isolation he feels from his parents resonated with younger viewers. His untimely death only propelled his influence on the youth of America. He brought a coolness to the “moody” teenager that comforted other adolescents. Dean characterized the epitome of classic cool.


I will say, even though I haven’t completely swooned over Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich, he indeed left behind a unique and engaging character.  

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