The American Rebel
The American rebel is one that fights against "society's normality" and strives towards nonconformity. Believing in the power of the individual, they try to define their own unique identity and in effect, become "outsiders." The drawings and paintings displayed in this exhibit give examples of the American rebel. Rebellion is a classical part of the American Experience as stated by Waldo Emerson in the "Hip" gallery. Learn why by reading the museum's historical background for each piece.
James Byron Dean was an American actor. He is a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel without a Cause, in which he starred as troubled teenager Jim Stark. He also appeared in the films East of Eden and Drive, both reflecting the same struggle of adolescence and identity, trying to please both society and his own self. Ironically, James himself died at 24 years old of a car crash, ignoring the speeding ticket he had received 2 hours before. His rebellious attitude towards society and his “hip” image made him an American icon for generations to come.
James Dean
Ramona Flowers
Mathilda Lando
Ramona Flowers is a character in the film Scott Pilgrim vs. The World However, where she plays an American who has traveled to Canada escaping her past. Ramona's "mysterious" nature and tough exterior are really just cover for her own insecurities. At the heart of things, Ramona is a runner. She fears commitment, which is why she's had so many failed relationships. Ramona is afraid to face her past. Ramona is unhappy with the kind of person she is, but doesn't think she can change. The reason why she is dissatisfied with herself is her outsider status and society’s disapproval. Bright blue hair and goggles, Ramona is a nonconformist. Although, her actions as a rebellious teenager come to haunt her in later years, as she fails to meet the expectations of those she loves. Ramona, although an oustsider, does not have any hope like Gatsby to finally achieve her dreams.
Mathilda is a character from the film Leon: The Professional. She is a twelve-year old New York girl, living an undesirable life among her abusive family. Her father stores drugs for two-faced cop Norman Stansfield. Only her little brother keeps Mathilda from breaking down. One day, Stansfield and his team take cruel revenge on her father for stretching the drugs a little, thus killing the whole family. Only Mathilda, who was out shopping, survives by finding shelter in Leon's apartment in the moment of highest need. The killing of her brother marks the loss of innocence in her life. Mathilda, who has now “fallen” rebels against the society and phony people who killed her brother. Soon, she finds out about the Leon’s unusual profession, killing, and desperately seeks his help in taking revenge for her little brother.
Juno MacGuff is the main character of the film Juno, where she mistakenly becomes pregnant during high school and struggles to make the right decisions for both herself and her child. Juno, a classic outsider in high school environment, has a profound sense of confidence and knowledge for her age. Much like Holden from Catcher in the Rye, she understands that many people are "fake" or "phony" and takes her time when finding a pair of parents for her baby. Once meeting the father of a couple, a rebellious musician, she believes she has found a match. Though, the reality is, this adult rebel also cannot take on the responsibility of adulthood, and flees his wife to chase his dream after the baby is born. Juno, wondering if people will ever accept their "fall", continues to sit back and watch the world through "eyes of truth", trying to find her identity.
Juno MacGuff
The struggles of the American Rebel are similar to that of the common man. The fight for the “American dream” is apparent in both symbolic characters. Yet, the common man views the world in a different lens than that of the rebel, which makes their pursuit more tragic. View the next Gallery to find out why.
