How Hippies Once Saved The World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How Hippies Once Saved The World

Never doubt that a small group of thoughful, committed individuals can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Meade

9
How Hippies Once Saved The World

Right on man, power to the people...Blue jeans, long hair, Flower Power and marijuana went a long way to passively resist the war.

The Counterculture of the 1960s had a very prolific influence on our history today. With the Vietnam war raging on rebellious teenagers shared the same values such as peace and personal freedom. While everyone grew tired of Johnson, this craze of people sharing the same beliefs gathered around Ashbury and Haight to openly discuss their disapproval of Nixon and the burdensome war. What would we have done if it wasn't for all the psychedelia, Rock music, and casual love makin'?

As a matter of fact, we would not even have a revolution if it was not for the bohemian flower child. Without the Hippies would we have the COURAGE to stand up for what we believe in... to make a difference in our world? As this was once known as the flowery party of love and peace, they set out to liberate the world through peaceful objections, student strikes, marches and by resisting the draft.

"Let's change the status quo!"

These were the people that wanted to break away from traditional conservatism. They thought it was their duty to contribute to society in a positive way. Hippies were groups of people setting out to change the standards, come together, live together and practice their beliefs in peace. Challenging the violence and the hatred was part of their goal to reach moral virtues in the world. In there minds, they fought for a more sovereign and prosperous America.

Several of them fought the current affairs in the government. Anger and aggression was a shadow to many hippies; in their minds, the government was selfish and defensive only catering to the affluence of the nation. "It should NOT be the wealthy that get a say in the system," many baby boomers argued . Feeling displaced, their response to government incompetencies was to object against the US involvement in Vietnam because they frowned upon the actions their government took. So this set the precedent to future protests.

Teens and many adults had a remarkable influence on American culture in the 1960s and 1970s than the typical belief. Although, the average hippie was involved in drugs, sex, music and a lethargic approach to life, they contributed to modern American civilization in both positive and negative ways. In other words, American culture no longer keeps sex hidden in the dark anymore. Nowadays families discuss it at earlier ages. Another example, was how students often reflected their opposition at Universities against Nixon's invasion of Cambodia.

Despite the hateful engagements, we have made more progress to accept those with differences without alienating them based on race or beliefs. That is to say we still we have long ways to go. The belief of brotherhood is still present today, even though the government has taken a stance in handing out to the poor citizens of our country. The Counterculture movement and the subculture movement have been infused into American Culture today. The attitude and demeanors of the beatniks and hippies are here to stay!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

80109
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8467
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments