My subculture- The Hippies

Origin 

The Hippie movement started in the late 1960’s and lasted until the mid 1970’s. It evolved from the previous subculture The Beats. The subculture generated when the younger generation became sick of established institution and corrupted mainstream culture. They wanted to have a “free spirited” lifestyle with a “if it feels good, do it” attitude, often with no concern about the consequences of their actions. They did not care about money or materialistic things, they lived in their own terms and protested about things they truly care about. They often refer to themselves as “flower children”.

The hippy trail

Hippies were known to travel from the west to the east in a spiritual quest to find a source of peace and happiness. Journeys typically start from cities in western Europe such as London, Berlin and Paris. They then pass through Istanbul where most journeys often divide after. The final destination would be South east Asia, often India. The quest is about finding yourself and reaching your inner peace. Hippies were inspired by the religious practices of the east such as meditation.

Activism and Protests

Hippies took part in peaceful protest to combat issues such as climate change, racism and homophobia. The biggest and most known hippy movement was the protest against the Vietnam war. They made a statement to “Make Love, Not War”. By doing so with such determination, they made a mark in history. 

Drug abuse

Psychedelic drugs such as LSD, marijuana and cocaine became a part of the hippie lifestyle. Many hippies believed that using hallucinogens allowed them to pursue an alternate state of consciousness. Drugs influenced artists to make legendary art, music and literature about this issues of their generation. The use of drugs introduced a new music genre called psychedillic drugs which became a trade mark to the hippy culture. 

Music

Hippies used music to express themselves spiritually, emotionally and politically. Music gave them a statement and a voice to there movement; it united people. As they explored their inner world, music guided them along their quest for meaning. Artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, John Lennon and Janis Joplin were some of the most influential artists in the hippy movement.

Summer of Love 1967

The Summer of Love was a legendary social event that occurred in San Francisco. 100,000 hippies gathered for en event that made their subculture more known to the mainstream. It was an event full of happiness, music, food, drugs and love. 

Fashion 

The fashion of the hippies is inspired by traditional clothing countries in the east. They dressed in beautiful colourful bohemian clothing. Tie dyed clothing and psychedelic prints were popular. Silhouettes take shape from Bell bottom pants and loose clothing. They often had long, messy hair with flowers, beads and colourful head scarves. Men grew beards and women didn’t wear bras as they lived a care free lifestyle.

The decline of the hippies

The Summer of Love was one of the reason why the hippie movement eventually declined. Many youths became so addicted to drugs that they committed crimes such as theft in order to get what they need. The end of the Vietnam war was also a reason of the decline as the protest against it was the biggest factor that held the subculture together.