The Time Traveling Hippies

One social movement that still fascinates me to this day is the Hippie Movement during the 1960s that brought us the philosophies of love for others in community, peace, harmony, and artistic liberation.  What made it symbolic was its influence in mainstream America in various areas, from the psychedelic music, to the Anti-War Protest of the Vietnam War, to the Woodstock music festival.  Personally, I remember writing about it in junior high school, then having a phase in my life where all I wore was tie-dye t-shirts to school.  I believed I was a wild child, free spirit re-incarnated in the 1990s.  Furthermore, the vibes of the Hippie Movement still echoes throughout today’s modern society.

For example, the distinct look of a hippie’s fashion style is undeniable.  Their long hairs, tattered clothes, fringes, and not to mention those bell bottoms jeans.  All of which re-enforced the message behind the liberal choice of the movement.  Fast forward, five decades later, and this style just re-invents itself into the Hipster look that was seen everywhere, especially the city’s urban areas. 

Another lifestyle choice that stems from the Hippie Movement and is prevalent in today’s society is the gaining traction for legalization of marijuana smoking in our country.  The Hippie Movement promoted the use of recreational drugs through their psychedelic music and amongst themselves during great festival, such as Woodstock.  Today, mainstream artist such as Snoop Dog and Wiz Khalifa, and even broadcasting or streaming media, i.e. Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner (VH1) and Disjointed (Netflix), embraces the cannabis by making it the star of the show, not to mention, the yearly event of the Burning Man.  Yet, with scientific evidence for medicinal purposes for marijuana, it has led to decriminalization and legalization of possession and use of recreational and medicinal marijuana in several states.

However, the ethos of living harmoniously in nature and communal peace from the Hippie Movement has been lost in translation for today’s society.  The effort needed to make people conscious about their environmental impact has been a laborious uphill battle.  Next, with the ever-changing technologies—although we have more ways to connect—most people rather focus on promoting their sense of individualism, than band together in a community.  That is why for me, more recent movements, e.g. #Me To Movement, Black Lives Matter, and Occupy Wall Street, granted they may have a strong stance, soon, and rather quickly, they fizzle out of public opinion because of lack of continued communal support to keep the movement’s voice strong.

I believe the Hippie Movement in American history is ongoing as a social movement whose essence is the ideals of refusing to conform to societies predetermined and dominating way of life.  That is why I believe that it will continue to live on in spirit throughout our times, but in different ways.  Anyway, until the next time, peace out!