James May's 20th Century (2007)
S01E05 Inventing The Teenager
Episode Overview
In the 20th century, the concept of the teenager emerged as a distinct identity. What sparked this change? Was it the allure of romance, the influence of pop culture, or perhaps the thrill of riding a 50cc Japanese motorcycle? James May sets out to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon. He begins with fashion, discovering how synthetic materials like Nylon revolutionized clothing with vibrant colors and styles. James even attempts to create some garments himself, achieving moderate success. Transport for teens, especially motorcycles, provided a sense of freedom from parental control. James reminisces about his teenage dream of owning a Yamaha FS1E, affectionately known as the Fizzy. However, his mother viewed it as a dangerous choice, akin to a tombstone for her son, leading to a strict “Not Allowed” stance. Lastly, James delves into the history of the electric guitar, a powerful emblem of teenage rock music. To illustrate its significance, he turns to Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of
