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With the sounding clang of the school bell, teenagers would rush home to their televisions to watch the new and thrilling show that everyone was raving about. A live broadcast from Studio B would air at 3pm everyday weekday with screaming girls and boys ready to have some fun. This was the one and only American Bandstand: a program designed specifically for teenagers to view the new, hip dances and trends sweeping America. It was during this time when sexuality was more exposed the youth then ever before
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The American Bandstand 1952-1989
The American Bandstand was a window through which the youth could see what exactly sexuality means. Though the show was mainly about dancing and singing, it was the primary source of youth corruption by the media. According to the Congressional Research Service on Prevention of Teen Pregnancies, there was a massive increase of teen pregnancies in the 1950s--right around the time that the show was broadcasted. Needless to say, the exploration of sexuality soon became more common with the increase of sexual displays on television.
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It was while watching the American Bandstand when the youth of America felt that they could let go, explore, and 'get with the times.' Through watching the show and letting the rebellious nature of the performances set in, the youth let sexuality become a large part of their lives.