Popular Culture (C) Jill Mingus

           Popular culture is like the high of society; like places and events that almost everyone takes part in and enjoys. Most people in the late 1800s couldn’t go do things they enjoyed because they had to spend their money on food and important necessities for everyday living and needs. Industrialization improved and urban Americans spilt their lives into different sections, people began to go out of the house and spend their money on entertainment.

            An example of an entertainment spot would be the saloon, found in the cities. Saloons were a place where most men would hang out after work, allow horses to drink, sometimes get free food, and just get out of the house and have a good time. Amusement parks and sporting events were fun for the kids and adults. When work became slow, they would look for physical activity to do just to pass time. Vaudeville and Ragtime, a French theater, was filled with animal acts, acrobats and dancers. Some shows would last all day and night. Ragtime music echoed the theater. Popular culture is a time when people are able to get out of the house and spend money.