The Hippie Era Cordially Explained
Hippies originated in the United States around the 1960’s. The term hippie is derived from hipster, and originally referred to beatniks moving into the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Hippies created their own communities, used drugs to expand their conscious, took part in the sexual revolution, and primarily listened to psychedelic rock music.
Appearance
Hippies wanted to free themselves from the restrictions of society; by doing so they would choose their own ways and try to find new meanings to life. Hippies dressed differently from societal norms as an expression of independence. The way hippies dressed made it easy for them to recognize one another and their clothing was a symbol of respect for individual rights.
Hippies of both genders commonly wore jeans and had long hair. They generally wore sandals or no shoes at all. The women didn’t work much makeup, if any, and the men had beards. Most female hippies also did not wear bras. Hippies wore tie-dyed shirts and Native American inspired clothing. Hippies were known for making their own clothes, but when they didn’t they were known for buying clothes at second-hand shops or flea markets.
Common Hippie Transportation
Hippies generally traveled in school busses, VW busses, or they would just hitchhike. Their busses were normally repainted with psychedelic graphics. The hippies liked the busses because it allowed them and large groups of their friends to travel together. The Volkswagen symbol on the VW busses were often changed into peace symbols by hippies. The hippies that hitchhiked liked it because it was a good way to meet new people, it was environmentally friendly, and it was economical.
Hippies indulged in drugs and hallucinogens. They felt that by doing drugs it allowed them to open their mind and spirit. Most hippies smoked cannabis, or marijuana. Before long hippies began taking hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline. Some hippies even took amphetamines and opiates. Most hippies, including the ones that used them, saw amphetamines and opiates as harmful and addictive so they began to scorn them.
Hippies were generally pacifists who believed solely in peace. Lots of hippies took part in non-violent political demonstrations. Their non-violent political demonstrations included civil rights marches, draft card burning, protests, and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. Some hippies were involved in peace demonstrations while others were more active in anti-authority and street theater demonstrations. Political movements carried out by hippies include the back to land movement, alternative energy, free press movement, cooperative business enterprises, and organic farming.
Today there are still a large number of hippies. Protests and anti-war parades are still held by hippies and other people. Hippies still attend and hold festivals, some which have been around since the first hippies originated. The Starwood Festival and the Burning Man festival are two major festivals that have been held since the 1960’s and still go on today. Hippie fashion from the 1960’s is still being used today. Music created by and listened to by hippies is still popular in today’s society. The lifestyle of the hippies is still around to this day and is likely to continue for sometime.
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