Hairspray Research Assignment

Edit 17 …
'Hairspray' Background Assignment

In order to fully understand the events and actions of the characters in 'Hairspray" you must have prior knowledge
of the 1960's era.

Answer the questions underneath each of the categories below using the web links as a guide.
Click on the headings to go to the web links for each category.
You must write down the questions and your answers in your English books.


1960's Fashion
  • Describe what the clothing styles of the 1960's looked like.
  • Which styles were most popular with teenagers?
  • Draw or print out some images of these styles and paste into your books.

1960's Hairstyles
  • Which hairsyles were most popular with teenagers in the 1960's?
  • What was a "Beehive"? How was this style created?
  • Draw of print out images of the most popular hairstyles of the 1960's and paste into your books.

1960's Music
  • Who were some of the most popular bands of the 1960's?
  • What type or style of music emerged during this era?
  • Why did many parents disapprove of this style of music?
  • Why were most black artists not recognised for their music? Who often sang their songs?
  • What was "Motown"?
  • How did the early music of this era change dancing styles?

1960's Language
  • How was the language of the 1960's different to that used by teenagers today?
  • Write down your 10 favourite examples of 1960's slang. Explain what each example ment in the 1960's.

1960's Television
  • What was "The Buddy Dean Show"?
  • Why was it taken off air in 1964?
  • What similarities does this show have to "The Corny Collins Show" from the film "Hairspray"?
  • What influence did "American Bandstand" have on modern television?
  • Which dances did these television shows make popular during this era?

1960's Social Expectations and Rules
  • What tradional roles did women occupy in society during the 1960's?
  • How did society expect young women to act?
  • The 1960's were a time of social change. What issues did young people start to rebel against?

1960's Segregation – The Civil Rights Movement
  • What is "segregation? Define this term
  • What was the civil rights movement? What were people fighting against?
  • Non-violence was a protest method of the Civil Rights Movement. Explain what this means.
  • What were "sit ins"?
  • What was the "Montgomery Bus Boycott"? Who started the boycott and why?
  • Who was Martin Luther King? Explain what happened to him and why.
  • Watch the You Tube video of Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech.

REVIEW
What is the most interesting fact that you learnt through this research assignment? Explain why you found this information interesting.