Final answer:
Rock and roll emerged as a significant cultural force in postwar America, representing youthful rebellion and challenging traditional values. It gained popularity through television and movies, despite adult disapproval, and played a role in altering social and racial dynamics within American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence of rock and roll on American society during the postwar era was profound and multifaceted. The birth of rock and roll was a vehicle through which many Americans, especially teenagers, exhibited different responses to this emerging music genre.
Rock and roll music served as an anthem for youth rebellion, as notably exemplified by Bill Haley and His Comets' "Rock Around the Clock." Yet, while the youth found an outlet for their independence and push against conformity, many adults saw rock and roll as a corrosive influence on traditional American values.
Television and movies of the era also contribute to and reflect societal changes. Films such as "Blackboard Jungle" displayed connection with rock music while depicting societal issues like juvenile delinquency, thus making rock and roll not only a musical but cultural phenomenon.
The involvement of big media, including radio and television, played a significant role in propelling rock and roll to overwhelming popularity despite the conservative reservations of many adults.
The profitability and popularity of rock and roll, especially among white suburban teenagers, cannot be overstated. Artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Little Richard, among others, not only brought rock and roll into the mainstream but also challenged racial barriers in the music industry.
Meanwhile, the mass media's role in disseminating rock and roll contributed to its rapid spread across a divided socio-economic landscape.