1. Introduction
The following term paper is dealing with the era of the hippies, their ideals, their music and the question what makes a person a hippie. Therefore, the social and political background is described to show how the movement could develop. Moreover, the highlight of the era – the Woodstock Festival – is illustrated as a representative for all the other festival during these years. Furthermore, I am trying to find access to the subject if the hippies were just another kind of youth culture that died with their icons or if it was more. Is it possible that the core of the hippie philosophy, based on its social background and peculiarities, is still alive somehow?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The 1960’s in America
2.1. The Vietnam War
2.2. The Anti – Racism movements
3. What does it mean to be a hippie?
3.1. Lifestyle and ideals
3.2. Hippies and their music
4. Woodstock 1969 - The festival
4.1. Performing artists and events
4.2. At the height of music and the end of an era
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This term paper explores the hippie era, examining the defining political and social backgrounds, the central role of music, and the movement's enduring philosophy to determine if it represented more than just a fleeting youth culture.
- The influence of the Vietnam War and anti-racism movements on the rise of the hippie generation.
- Defining the lifestyle, ideals, and core philosophy of being a hippie.
- The impact of iconic musicians and protest songs on the cultural consciousness of the 1960s.
- A detailed analysis of the Woodstock Festival as a representative symbol of the hippie era.
- The transition from idealistic gatherings to mass culture and the eventual end of the era.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Lifestyle and ideals of a hippie
Now we know important things about the background, the political situation and the society in those days. Still, what we do not know is, when someone is called a Hippie. What makes people say that a person is a Hippie? Is it the way he dresses? Is it what kind of music someone likes? May be which religion he believes in? The following reflections are there for answering these questions.
As I said before, the movement goes already back to the early 50’s. People wanted to break away from society’s values placed on them. There were poets like Allen Ginsberg who can be considered as the father of this movement. They used the written word to express their frustration and had the courage to point at things that were wrong in the world.
Very often, the words were not only written but also performed. That is the reason for the name they were given. Musicians and writers became representatives of the so- called "Beat Generation".
The beatniks refused to conform and very often they used the phrase „I’m hip“. Some even called them "hipsters". This is the beginning of the hippies. To be a hippie you must believe in peace as the way to resolve differences among people, ideologies and religions. The way to peace is through love and tolerance. Loving means accepting others as they are, giving them freedom to express themselves and not judging them based on their appearances. This is the core of the hippie philosophy.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author outlines the scope of the paper, aiming to analyze whether hippie philosophy remains relevant today beyond the historic youth movement.
2. The 1960’s in America: This chapter contextualizes the emergence of the hippie movement through the lens of the Vietnam War and the civil rights and anti-racism struggles.
3. What does it mean to be a hippie?: An investigation into the core values, spirituality, fashion, and the role of drugs and music in shaping the hippie identity.
4. Woodstock 1969 - The festival: This section details the organization, cultural significance, and the eventual conclusion of the Woodstock festival as a hallmark of the era.
5. Conclusion: A final reflection on the lasting impact of the movement, specifically regarding societal change and the legacy of youth culture.
Keywords
Hippie, Woodstock, Vietnam War, Anti-racism, Beat Generation, Protest Music, Counterculture, Love and Peace, 1960s, Social Change, Youth Movement, Psychedelic, Spirituality, Fashion, Activism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the hippie movement of the 1960s, exploring its origins, its core values, and the impact of the music and culture associated with it.
Which specific themes are central to the analysis?
Central themes include the socio-political climate of the 1960s, the emergence of the hippie subculture, the role of protest music, and the symbolic significance of the Woodstock festival.
What is the primary research question?
The primary objective is to determine if the hippie movement was merely a temporary youth culture that faded away, or if its philosophical core—based on peace and social ideals—persists in some form today.
Which methodology is applied in this work?
The paper employs a qualitative review of historical literature, films, and music to analyze the social and cultural developments of the era.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the political unrest in 1960s America, the definition of hippie lifestyle and ideology, and a comprehensive look at the Woodstock festival and its aftermath.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Keywords include Counterculture, 1960s, Woodstock, Hippie, Protest Music, and Social Change.
How did the Vietnam War contribute to the growth of the hippie movement?
The war served as a major catalyst for protest, causing young people to organize and unite under the goal of peace, which significantly swelled the hippie movement, particularly in centers like Berkeley.
Why is the Woodstock festival considered a peak event for this generation?
Woodstock is seen as the ultimate symbol of the hippie philosophy, representing a peaceful gathering centered on music, self-discovery, and a rejection of materialism and hierarchy.
What happened at the Altamont concert according to the author?
The author describes Altamont as the violent end of the "festival illusion," where the dream of a world full of peace was shattered, leading many to turn away from the movement.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Elli H. (Autor:in), 2007, Flower Power and Rock ‘n’ Roll – The era of the hippies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/175344
