Why did Fonzie hang around with all those high school boys?Is the overwhelming boy-meets-girl content of popular teen movies; music; books; and TV just a cover for an undercurrent of same-sex desire? From the 1950s to the present; popular culture has involved teenage boys falling for; longing over; dreaming about; singing to; and fighting over; teenage girls. But Queering Teen Culture analyzes more than 200 movies and TV shows to uncover who Frankie Avalonrsquo;s character was really in love with in those beach movies and why Leif Garrett became a teen idol in the 1970s. In Top 40 songs; teen magazines; movies; TV soap operas and sitcoms; teenagers are defined by their pubescent “discovery” of the opposite sex; universally and without exception. Queering Teen Culture looks beyond the litany to find out when adults became so insistent about teenage sexual desire—and why—and finds evidence of same-sex desire; romantic interactions; and identities that; according to the dominant ideology; do not and cannot exist. This provocative book examines the careers of male performers whose teenage roles made them famous (including Ricky Nelson; Pat Boone; Fabian; and James Darren) and discusses examples of lesbian desire (including I Love Lucy and Laverne and Shirley). Queering Teen Culture examines: Ozzie and Harriet; Father Knows Best; and Leave It to Beaver: Were Ricky; Bud; and Wally sufficiently straight? the juvenile delinquent films of the 1950s: Why werenrsquo;t the rebel-without-a-cause “bad boys” interested in girls? horror; sci-fi; and zombies from outer space: “Body of a boy! Mind of a monster! Soul of an unearthly thing!” teen idols—pretty; androgynous; and feminine: No wonder they were rumored to be “funny” beach movies: She wants to plan their wedding but he wants to surf; sky-dive and go drag racing with the guys Biker-hippies boys of the late 1960s: “I know your scene—donrsquo;t think I donrsquo;t!” the 1950s nostalgia of the 1970s: Why does Fonzie spend all his time with high school boys? teen gore: What makes the psycho-killer angry? and much more; including Gidget; the Brat Pack; buddy dramas; nerds and “operators;” Saved by the Bell; The Real World; and the incredible shrinking teenager Queering Teen Culture is an essential read for academics working in cultural and gay studies; and for anyone else with an interest in popular culture.
2011-05-09 2011-05-09File Name: B00HCICCLI
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Feel the love!By D. RiemenschneiderAuthor Oriana Leckert shines in her debut book. This reads like a personal love story from a denizen to her borough; and invites and welcomes the reader to join in the love fest. Intimate interviews have clearly resulted in proprietors of the "spaces" opening up about their struggles; their passions; their highest aspirations. An engaging and almost experiential read; the book inspires one to go exploring. Its like an underground travel guide to your home town (not for tourists!) Also includes a metric ton of amazing photography. For lovers of culture; grassroots living; and those with an enterprising spirit.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy anne l maertensfascinating!2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great find!By Michael WeinbergWhat a great find! This is a unique and interesting view into so many corners of Brooklyn that I never knew existed. The author does an incredible job of capturing moments; places and personalities in one of the greatest cities in the world. And it looks great on my coffee table!
