The male rebel was a threat to gender, home, and social order. Single, too masculine, and without an attachment to a woman who might domesticate him, the male rebel could only cause trouble. Brando's wild one was clearly mad, bad, and dangerous to know. Reviewers gave a nod to the political implications of the screenplay, but spent most of their time describing Brando's smoldering performance. Pee-Wee Herman made so many adults uncomfortable, they were glad when his creator was arrested.
Visibility leads to freedom, but it also leads to backlash.
In this essay, author Michael Bronski traces the thoughts behind this book.