Week 2: What are strengths and weaknesses of Peterson’s production of culture perspective on the birth of Rock and Roll?

Peterson’s production of culture perspectives concentrates on six key factors that make sense of the reasons why (as Peterson suggests) ‘rock broke into the mass market.’ Although Peterson is successful in stimulating ideas such as the accessibly of technology and how this lend to the explosion of rock and roll; these factors categorise its birth without the mention of the consumer’s impact on the industry. Therefore it could be said that the human element is lacking in Peterson’s argument. One important point to make is that, this era was a time of rebellion and deep set racial tensions where Rock and Roll was seen as an outlet and a way of young adults to relate to each other and to the emotional connections presented in these songs. Again there is no suggestion of these ideas within Peterson’s perspective.
Similarly, when one thinks of Rock and Roll music, the sound and instruments used are important elements in the interpretation, feel and creation of these tracks. Yet Peterson also does not take this idea into account. There had to be something about the music itself that attracted so many to it; it can not be simply down to these six factors only. Perhaps therefore in order to understand and evaluate the birth of Rock and Roll one must question what was significant about Rock and Roll at the time as well as drawing on Peterson’s evaluation.