In the mid 1960s, a never-before-seen counter-culture blossomed throughout the United States. It was known as the “Flower Power” movement.
This form of activism was led by those opposed to the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War (1956-1975). “Hippies” were often found protesting through the streets in effort to have shared civil rights among all Americans. They were strong believers in voicing their opinions and being heard.
Regardless of the era changes that came after the flower power movement, the hippie era has made a return by the millennial generation. Although there are stereotypes about the original hippie era, this new generation of hippies is different from the stereotypical tie-dye shirt wearer. This group comes from an array of backgrounds, cultures, races and ethnicity even more so than before.
The advancement in technology and social media has made it easier for the new hippie era to voice their opinions, thoughts and ideas.
With more talk about legalization of marijuana in the news today, there is a new wave of free spirits on the rise. This age group symbolizes a time of massive change and revolution in America.
While the subject of drug use is often ignored today, there was a different perspective on such activities during the flower power movement. Many hippies participated in recreational drug use, particularly marijuana and hallucinogens such as LSD and mushrooms. Hippies praised these drugs for the effects they caused on the mind and behavior, as well as the illicit nature of the drugs.
Music and drugs came hand in hand in the 1960s music era between both artists and the audience. The Woodstock Music Festival of 1969 has become an icon of the 1960s hippie counterculture.
Founded in 2002, the Bonnaroo Music Festival attracts the new hippie era. Music at Bonnaroo can vary from R. Kelly to Billy Idol.
On the other hand, EDM (Electric Dance Music) festivals, like Electric Forest and Electric Zoo, are also popular among the millennial generation.
Even more so, there was a change in fashion, film and literature during the flower power movement that has made its return today.
Not to say the millennial generation is an exact replica of the original hippie era, but the new hippie era symbolizes the flower power movement in more ways than even recognized.
Jordan Crowley can be contacted at jcrowley@keene-equinox.com