"The Beat Generation" In The Vision Area Of Culture Study

This paper studies the cultivation and development of the spirit of “The BeatGeneration” in a certain political, economic and cultural condition. On one hand,“The BeatGeneration” is not only a “Generation of Recluse” but also a “Generation ofcontempt”——They evade the industrial civilization and the power politics. They also distainthe mainstream American values and morals. On the other hand, the spirit of “The BeatGeneration” is not nihilism. They cherish in their heart a sense of responsibility ofChristianity and the feelings of compassion of eastern religions. Based on that, they makehard yet meaningful exploration. Therefore,“The Beat Generation” is both a “Generation ofExploration” as well as a “Generation of religiosity”.This paper assumes that, out of the behavior of addicting to alcohol, indulging in sensualpleasures, obsessing of jazz music and practicing Buddhist mediation,“The Beat Generation”establishes a revolutionary spirit of counter-culture, multiculturalism, and religious sentiment.Thus, it opens a gate to cultural and spiritual transformation which has a profound impact onAmerican culture.