Who Were the Hippies?

The Hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s was born out of a sense of alienation among the white, middle-class Baby Boomer generation. This generation felt disconnected from what they perceived as the materialistic and oppressive values of mainstream middle-class society. Hippies embraced non-traditional lifestyles which emphasized personal freedom, experimentation with drugs, and communal living. They often wore brightly coloured clothing and had long hair, representing their rejection of conventional norms. In the U.S., San Francisco became a haven for hippies and the counterculture of the era. The anti-establishment sentiments of this group found an outlet in the music, art, fashion, and literature of the time. The hippie lifestyle rejected traditional middle-class conventions such as conformity and materialism in favour of self-expression, free love, peace activism, drug use, and communal living arrangements. The lifestyle also brought with it a social stigma among those who still subscribed to middle-class values; while some saw the hippies as bravely challenging the status quo, others saw them as dangerous deviants. However, the impact of the hippie culture in sparking change in middle-class society can still be seen today in our cultural attitude toward things such as gender roles, drug use, religious tolerance, and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, although many dismissed the hippie lifestyle during its heyday, it left an indelible mark on middle-class society that continues to shape our cultural values to this day.

What Did Hippies Believe In?

Hippies believed in peace, love, and freedom of expression. They rejected the materialistic values of the 1950s and 1960s, instead opting for a more alternative lifestyle. Hippies championed creative expression, rejecting the conformity of traditional values and beliefs. They embraced a wide range of cultural activities, including live music, environmentalism, communal living, drug experimentation, and a rejection of authority. Hippies celebrated self-expression through their clothing styles, hair and makeup choices, and the use of psychedelic drugs like LSD. In the late 1960s, they developed a form of political activism that rejected established forms of government and called for the implementation of social reforms. This included protesting against the Vietnam War and advocating for civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights. They also embraced Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, seeking spiritual enlightenment through meditation and chanting.

How Did Hippies Live Their Lives?

Hippies lived a lifestyle that was both countercultural and alternative. They rejected the mainstream conventions of their day, choosing instead to live outside of traditional society and embrace the values of peace, love, freedom, and self-expression. 

The primary form of housing for hippies was communal living. They often lived in large communes or shared houses, which fostered a sense of community and a greater connection to one another. Many hippies were also nomadic and travelled from place to place as part of their journey. 

Hippies also adopted practices that differed from the norm. They embraced natural healing methods such as herbalism, meditation, and yoga. They also adopted vegetarian diets, often creating organic gardens where they grew their food. In addition, many hippies took part in communal ceremonies and events such as tribal gatherings and drum circles. 

The clothing choices of the hippie movement also served to express their non-conformist values. Hippies typically wore bright colours, loose-fitting clothes, and hand-made jewellery, often with a focus on natural materials. 

The hippie lifestyle was heavily focused on music, art, and self-expression. The movement created its  music, art, and literature which was often filled with themes of peace, love, and anti-war sentiment. Many of these works were created in an attempt to spread their message to a wider audience. 

The hippie movement ultimately faded away in the late 1970s as its members began to age and lose interest in the lifestyle. Although the movement is no longer active, its legacy lives on through its influence on modern fashion, music, and culture.

What Happened to the Hippie Movement?

The hippie movement began to decline in the early 1970s, as many of its members began to move on to other lifestyles or drift away from the radical spirit of their youth. Many hippies shifted their focus to more constructive pursuits, such as the back-to-the-land movement and environmental activism. Others simply moved away from hippie communities to more mainstream lifestyles. As a result, many of the original hippie ideals were left behind and forgotten as the movement faded away. 

However, the legacy of the hippie movement still lives on today. From fashion and music to language and lifestyle, the hippie movement has had a lasting impact on our culture and society. Its commitment to peace, love, and freedom continues to inspire and shape our collective beliefs. While the movement may have faded away, it will forever be remembered for its unique approach to living and its profound impact on the world.