'The anti-hero can be seen in earlier American cinema as well, but was in no way as popular as it became after World War II' because following WWII people became nationalistic and rebellious. After the actions of our government the people had mixed feelings about their government. They were thankful because the government protected them, but at the same time harbored resentment as a result of the political, social and economic issues that accompany war. With the great depression about to come about, meaning economic collapse, many people blamed the government. Without the resources or ability to challenge their government and challenge the society they no longer loved, characters like Travis Bickle who could challenge the government and say what the people could not. Through the escape that movies allow people to have, a character like Travis could express the people's opinions about 'cleaning up society'. Following the war nationalistic emotions and ideas became very popular and people and they felt they needed to protect their country and its ideals as Travis does.
Adding to the connection people had to the anti-hero, admiration became a large factor in people's opinions. It was said that the anti-hero 'defies conventional laws of society and can sidestep rules of morality at anytime'. In film involving for example, a super hero, people can relate because they feel similar desires to break free of the confines of reality. Through a super hero people can imagine having the power they don't in real life, and they can save the world like everyone dreams. Similarly to an anti-hero, people can live a life they can only dream of. They can rebel and speak the truths that they actually feel about their government or their society. So the anti-hero became an easy symbol for people to connect to as the 'badass' that everyone wants to let out sometimes.
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