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How Did The Twilight Zone Affect Modern Culture

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The Twilight Zone and Its Effect on Modern Culture: “The Twilight Zone” is a science fiction TV show first aired on CBS in 1959. It had a powerful impact that lasted for decades to come. It questioned societal norms and encouraged people to “think outside the box”. It reflected a time of unease during the Korean War in a society with McCarthyism and fear of the atomic bomb. This led Rob Serling to create a show that pushed the limits and covertly expressed topics taboo to discuss openly at the time. It predicted the paranoia of the days to come and encouraged open mindedness. “The Twilight Zone” showed Americans the dangers of technology and the prospects of the future with advances in technology and space travel.

The Twilight Zone consisted …show more content…

“The Twilight Zone” taught America to question everything and watch attentively because nothing is as it seems. Even today we freely exercise the right to question the government and everything else about our world. From a fake moon landing to celebrity scandals to government conspiracies our paranoia has not ceased and we constantly strive to see the “man behind the curtain”. Rob Serling encouraged a generation to defy standards and make their own and his legacy continues today into the modern world. It also introduced paranoia in the media and brought about a popularity in science fiction and controversial television that effected literature, society, and the minds of the people.

Although “The Twilight Zone” impacted modern television it also differs from modern television in distinct ways. At the time of being aired “The Twilight Zone” was in black and white and provided standalone episodes with no general plot line which had not been done before. It also focused on science fiction, the future, and the impossible whereas modern television likes to focus on reality and realistic fiction. Modern television also focuses on shock value rather than intellectual value. Special effects have come a long way since the 50s-60s so modern television provides full color and

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