To say that the Beat generation affected modern culture does not seem at first glance to be much of a revelation; it is inevitable that any period of history will have an impact on the period that follows. The Beat generation, however, is particularly important because of its lasting impact on American culture. Many aspects of modern American culture can be directly attributed to Beat writers, primarily Allen Ginsburg, William Burroughs, Neal Cassady, and Jack Kerouac. (Asher) Their influence changed American perceptions of obscenity, had profound effects on American music and literature, and altered public opinions on topics such as sex and drug use. The label "Beat Generation" was first published in a 1952 magazine article in the New York Times Magazine titled "This is the Beat Generation." In this article, author John Clellen Holmes states that “beating” means “more than mere weariness,” implying “a kind of nakedness of mind and, ultimately, of soul; a feeling of being reduced to the ground of consciousness. (Holmes) These feelings became the inspiration for Beat writers and from them arose ideas that permeated all of society. The Beats' primary interests were freedom, self-expression, and rejection of dominant ideologies (such as those governing drugs, sex, and spirituality). (Scheibach 213) Much of this new post-World War II thinking was poorly received by many Americans at the time. Popular Beat writer Allen Ginsburg recited his famous poetic work, "Howl," at the Six Gallery in San Francisco on October 13, 1955. This reading was followed by the publication of a book of his poems, including Howl, which was later seized by officials and led to an obscenity trial in 1957. (Howl) This landmark event marked a turning point in all aspects of American culture, and their influence is still felt today. For better or worse, nothing has had as much impact on society as a whole as the Beat generation, which has been described as America's first true subculture. Works Cited Asher, Levi. Literary kicks: the Beat Generation. July 24, 1994. Holmes, John Clellon. “It’s the Beat Generation.” New York Times Magazine, November 16, 1952. Scheibach, Michael. “Atomic stories and American youth.” McFarland, nd 213. WikiMedia Foundation, Inc. Beat Generation. December 15, 2008. .—. To yell. December 15, 2008. .—. Obscenity. December 15, 2008. .—. Sexual revolution. December 15 2009. .