1950's Lifestyles and Social Trends | "Howl"

Poem

By: Allen Ginsberg

Date: 1956

Source: Ginsberg, Allen. "Howl." In Howl and Other Poems. San Francisco: City Lights Books, 1956, 9–11.

About the Author: Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) was one of the best known writers of the Beat Movement, one of the few who continued to influence culture after the 1960s. His poem, "Howl" and Jack Kerouac's On the Road, became leading literary influences on the Beats. He was politically active in the 1960s, leading the anti-war movement. He remained culturally active and continued writing until his death.

Introduction

America has alternated between acceptance and repression of differences and individuality. As late as the end of the eighteenth century, many states still had established organized churches. Anti-Catholic riots broke out in several cities in the 1840s. On an individualized basis, those who believed...