youth+movement-rr



The counterculture of the 1960's proved to be a groundbreaking and revolutionary breakthrough in modern society. The rapidly-spreading alternate lifestyle among the youth of the nation was both extraordinary and frightening to the contrasting conservative society of the 1950's. The shift in culture that was sweeping the nation like wild-fire established a rebellious air but this sense of revolt was contrasted with the attitude and essentially peaceful nature of the hippie. Using non-violent protests allowed the peace-seeking youth to accomplish several civil rights goals and express their anti-Vietnam War beleifs effectively. The hippie culture took root and grew rapidly as it gathered popularity and more young college students throughout the nation became attracted to the lifestyle. The hippie culture took root and spread throughout the United States, mainly amongst the young, college students who were attracted to such a free lifestyle. Philosophies such as free love, communal living, and experimentation with various mind-altering drugs were trademark of the hippie lifestyle. Partaking in activities such as these separated the people from the previous churchgoing, family oriented decade and a powerful counterculture developed. “If it feels good, do it,” sums the entire attitude of the hippie generation. Each lived a carefree life in which they could express themselves to the fullest and carry on unrestricting customs that were never before seen in society. Constraint of the body as well as the mind was ruled non-cohesive in the beliefs of this new generation. The people wanted to be as free as possible and did so by expressing themselves in unlimited ways. The common characteristics of the hippie were long hair, second-hand, colorful clothing, flowers and beads as well as sandals or bare feet. Sexual experimentation thrived through the culture as free love and casual relations took the place of family values and strict Christian beliefs in a lifetime partnership.