As society changes, so does the media. The conception of the anti-hero, a protagonist with little or no redeeming qualities, has become a true example of this change. America's growing acceptance of a violence-oriented society, untraditional lifestyle, and emphasis on materialism has created the increasing popularity of the anti-hero in modern music, literature, and film.
Current music and its artists are direct representations of modern society's increasing acceptance of and fascination with untraditional lifestyle. Although many musical artists lead rebellious, outrageous, and unethical lives, their influence on the public has led to tremendous acceptance of their anti-heroic traits. Their followings have acquired and incorporated similar characteristics and values. Artists such as Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, were among the first to start the musical anti-hero movement. …
