Final answer:
Teenagers after World War II preferred to spend their money on Rock and Roll, a music genre that merged various musical traditions and symbolized a break from societal norms, while simultaneously bridging racial divides among the youth.
Step-by-step explanation:
After World War II, teenagers, white and black alike, invested their spending money in the new black-inspired music referred to as b) Rock and Roll. This genre combined electric instruments with the sounds of gospel, blues, country, jazz, and R&B, captivating teenagers with its heavy rhythm and simple melodies. Rock and roll not only served as a form of rebellion against adult authority but also played a significant role in blurring racial lines, reflecting the desire of a generation to establish their own identity and defy the conservative societal norms of their parents' era.
Rock and roll grew from the traditional rhythm and blues sound developed by African Americans. It was later popularized and reappropriated by white musicians such as Elvis Presley, who capitalized on the energy and rebellious spirit of the music. Despite the controversy surrounding its association with African American culture and fear of interracial influences, rock and roll dramatically transformed the music scene, influencing social interactions and helping to break down racial barriers between black and white youth in the 1950s.