This digital exhibit covers many aspects of the Beat Generation spanning the literary, political, and religious facets of their movement. The digital cases provide historical, cultural context for understanding who the Beats were, and what their purpose was. Viewers of the exhibit gain an extensive understanding of the main representatives of the generation, such as Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady, and what made the Beats so unique. The examination of several of the individual Beats reveals their inspirations and beliefs. A hallmark of the Beat Generation that many cases in this exhibit emphasize is the rebellion that the Beats presented to mainstream society. The Beats were strongly anti-conformist, and that came through in their separation of themselves from “square” society and their denying of the status-quo. The exhibit also highlights lesser known Beats and people who were on the fridge of the movement, including their contributions to the advancement of the movement.
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