"Beat Generation" sold books, sold black turtleneck sweaters and bongos, berets and dark glasses, sold a way of life that seemed like dangerous fun—thus to be either condemned or imitated. Suburban couples could have beatnik parties on Saturday nights and drink too much and fondle each other's wives.
The rebellion of the beatniks was against the materialistic society of the American middle class. The Beat Generation found a way to rebel against the horrors they saw in society by pulling away from it, but not without being heard. Their rebellion was done through literature and was one of self expression.
