Final answer:
The 1950s in America was a time of consensus, but there were still challenges of poverty, racism, and alienation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1950s in America was often described as a time of "consensus" due to the sense of contentment and conformity among the American population. However, there was a dark side to this consensus that is recognized in the text. Despite the emerging affluence of the middle class, there were still challenges of poverty, racism, and alienation. Minority groups such as the poor in inner cities, disenfranchised Mexican Americans, and Native Americans faced immense hardships that were rarely depicted on TV.