What did the beatniks do?

Answer 1

Beatnik was the "cool cat" of his time, daddy-o. Into jazz, coffee houses, intellectual pursuits, writers, poets, part of the "beat generation". The beatnik's "home base" was in Greenwich Village section of New York City in the mid to late 1950's. Yes jazz was the type of music they seemed to prefer. In one sense they were the forerunners of the Hippies of the 1960's. The beatniks did not, on the surface have any political agenda. The other characteristics mentioned in the original answer are true. They did these things and led a life style that was considered not the "norm". As example, Jazz had existed before the "beat" generation. The new Jazz bands created their own non-contructed aspect of Jazz that fit into their own life styles. This was not the jazz of Billie Holiday. They new jazz was personified in bands such as the Dave Brubeck Quartet. While the Hippies' long hair was their signature appearance, the beatniks' beret was their signature apparel. The beatniks also drew criticism from mainstream America because they became associated with the use of marijuana and the presumed nature of "free sex" among them.

Answer 2

The Beatniks of the 1950s challenged conformity in their dress, entertainment, and politics, among other things. They were also very open about drug use and sexuality.