The beat generation and rock and roll music influenced American culture by offering alternatives to the norm. The beat generation were opposed to middle class American society and were disillusioned by it. Their works of fiction spoke about non conforming and freedom of choice and about breaking away from the so called 'ideal suburban life'. Rock and roll music was the music that supported this idea of just letting loose, self expression, the idea that there was more to life than being told what to do and how to live your life.