What it was the hippies had. - Democratic Underground

reggaehead

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Thu Nov-18-04 01:01 PM
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What it was the hippies had.

I hate to just let this topic die because the peace movement of the 60's and 70's is what defined us as a model nation. And getting away from it is why we are so despised throughout the world today. My thoughts on the subject.

1. The spirituality factor. Contrary to popular belief Hippie culture was/is entrenched in spirituality. Often, the practices and customs of this spirituality were frowned upon in greater society ie the smoking of marijuana, communal living, vegan movement et al. Hippie culture was/is both mezmerizing and distasteful at the same time. Yet it would seem to have only been distasteful because it was done openly. Kind of like the gay/lesbian movement now. Though, contrary to popular belief. Free-love did not lead to people coming out of the closet. People want what they have always wanted. Someone they can trust. And someone to bond with if only for a short time. That is only human. It will never change.

2. The Religion factor. I view this as being tied into the spirituality factor. Therefore, I do not believe it wise for the DNC leadership to target Religion as potential voter base. I don't remember the poster. But he/she professed herself a pagan. (please don't jump me for gender bias. just to simplify). She said she thought all religions lead to the same end. Therefore they must all be right. Well, i believe this poster more enlightened than most. But, the very fact that all religions are right in and of itself begs the argument that all religions are inherently wrong. For how can right exist withouut wrong? I believe hippie culture understood this. And this belief was widely accepted even within the religion embedded societies of hippie culture.

3. The Educational factor. America the beautiful HAD the most envied educational system of any Nation. Inquiring minds were encouraged to probe the message for defects. And to always take into account the ulterior motives of the messenger. All schools taught, the 3 R's but also Science, Social Studies and especially the Arts.

4. A Free Press. Many may not remember. But journalism used to be an honored profession. Truth above all was the motto. Truth, and being the first with the truth was what sold papers. Truth is a byproduct now. Kind of like that smell at the pulp mills where the paper these rags that deliver the NEWS are printed on.

5. Very Intense Music and very Intense performers. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Credence Clearwater Revival, Santana. These were the bards of the time. Their voices were heard DAILY at free concerts across the Nation. The music scene today is truly a mixed bag. While I applaud the efforts of Bruce, Bonnie Raitt, Eminem etc. So much of the Rap scene is still centered on Racial inequality. But the Conservative right wing doesn't care whose voice they stifle. This has to come to the forefront.

6. Longevity: I must confess to a sense of despair lately. But why should we despair? We are on the side of righteousness. How can a regressive society with a belief system based on a deity who never shows himself but demands subservience (smacks of either penis-envy or shortmans diesase) stand in the way of equal rights for all people? I don't see it. And the little shrub will be exposed right down to his elevator shoes.

Go hippies.