Final answer:
Chuck Berry's music confused some people due to his reversal of cultural appropriation, borrowing white music genres to create his brand of rock n' roll, challenging racial and musical norms of the 1950s. His music, seen as rebellious and provocative, resonated with teens but shocked conservative adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chuck Berry's music confused some people because it represented a reversal of the standard pattern of cultural and musical influences. As an African-American artist, Chuck Berry borrowed elements from predominantly white music genres such as western swing to create his unique version of blues-based rock n' roll. This was at a time when it was more common for white musicians to adapt R&B styles. Berry's hit "Maybellene", for instance, was an R&B adaptation of Bob Wills' western swing tune "Ida Red".
The hybridization of musical styles by artists like Berry led to a broader confusion and discomfort among certain audiences, mainly adults who were unfamiliar with the crossing of racial and genre lines. Berry's integration of these influences challenged both racial and musical norms of the period, leading to both admiration and controversy. His electrifying performances and musical fusion resonated with teens, yet caused a cultural shock to the prevailing adult sensibilities and conservative views of the 1950s.
Furthermore, rock n' roll's rise to popularity, especially among teenagers, and its association with rebellion, added to the confusion and disdain from older generations and those upholding traditional values. The music was seen as provocative and a threat to the status quo, leading to mixed reactions from the broader public, with some seeking to ban the music while others embraced it as a form of youthful expression.