How did American popular culture reflect the affluence of the 1950s? Why did so many contemporary observers see figures like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe as a threat to American moral values?

Explained Below

Explanation:

Post World War II, America emerged as sole world leader due to its diplomatic ties and strategies. However, the most important turn of event was the tussle between United States and the Soviet Union who were allies in the War. But after the end of World War II, both the countries became staunch enemy of each other that marked the beginning of Cold War.

Soviet Union strengthened its armed forces under Josef Stalin. The quest for atomic bomb saw a massive rise all over the world which was owned by America only.

Thus, it was a time of great revival in America that needed determination as well as farsightedness. Anything going against the American dream was considered as a threat to its pursuit of power, development, urbanization and globalization.  

Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley emerged as global icons from America. Art and culture was at its peak during 1950s which emerged from every field. Films, Music, Paintings and Dance saw a great upsurge in the American culture.

However, it was considered immoral. Anything that took America away from its dream was regarded as a bad influence.  Sexually explicit content and profanity was avoided to a larger degree. Both Elvis and Monroe were sexual symbols of 1950s who were at the peak of their fame but it was seen as a threat to American values.