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Young Americans
Movie

Young Americans

1967 • Unknown

Woke Score
1
out of 10

Plot

A 1967 pseudo-documentary film chronicling the travel experiences of The Young Americans choir. It was given an Academy Award in 1969, though it was revoked because it was released in 1967 and was thus ineligible, the only film in history to have done so.

Overall Series Review

The 1967 pseudo-documentary 'Young Americans' presents an unashamedly wholesome and patriotic vision of American youth, explicitly positioning itself as an alternative to the 1960s counterculture. The narrative follows a clean-cut show choir on a cross-country tour, focusing entirely on universal themes of musical talent, discipline, hard work, and good citizenship. The film avoids all political and social controversy, instead emphasizing the virtues of American life, traditional dress, and teamwork. Its core message is one of gratitude and respect for American institutions, celebrating a moral clarity that stands in stark contrast to the anti-Western and identity-focused narratives of modern media. The content is an earnest, traditionalist celebration of American meritocracy and youthful ambition, resulting in the lowest possible score across all categories.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

Characters are selected based on universal merit, specifically their vocal and performing talent, and a commitment to a clean-cut image. The film promotes a universal, shared American identity and wholesome values, entirely devoid of lectures on privilege, systemic oppression, or intersectional hierarchy.

Oikophobia1/10

The film explicitly 'embodies patriotism and wholesome entertainment,' presenting an 'uplifting vision of an America' during a tumultuous time. The narrative is a clear-cut celebration of American values, institutions, and cultural heritage, with the choir performing classic American standards like 'Yankee Doodle.'

Feminism1/10

Gender roles are presented in a balanced, traditional, and complementary manner, with the choir selecting an equal number of male and female performers. The image is one of 'wholesome entertainment,' with no signs of 'Girl Boss' tropes, emasculation of males, or messaging that promotes anti-natalism or rejects motherhood.

LGBTQ+1/10

The documentary’s central focus is on a chaperoned, G-rated cross-country tour emphasizing clean-cut, traditional behavior. There is no presence of alternative sexual ideology, centering of non-normative sexualities, or deconstruction of the nuclear family unit; the structure is entirely normative for the period.

Anti-Theism1/10

The film’s tone is overwhelmingly 'wholesome' and 'uplifting,' which serves to promote self-confidence, goodwill, and a framework of objective moral clarity. There is no hostility toward traditional religion and the overall structure acknowledges a higher moral law through its promotion of goodness and traditional virtues.