Introduction
Monday, November 15, 2010 7:49 PM
Introduction to Beatniks and Hippies
In more ways than one, Beatniks and Hippies brought a lot of diversity to American culture. Many saw this as a time for change. Change is exactly what occurred. In the 1950s, men and women began turning their backs on the conventions of the past and moved towards a more casual way of living. With this change, a new generation was born. The emergence of the Beatnik and Hippie generation would make its mark on American culture forever.
The Beatniks were a free spirited people that wrote books, poetry, and songs as a form of expression.They were initially known as the “beat generation” and did not get the name “beatnik” till later. They often experimented with drugs and alternative forms of sexually behavior in combination with their spontaneous, open, and unconventional ways of expression. Beatniks were very unique individuals that were trying to define themselves through song and poetry in ways that had never been done before.
After the Beatniks emerged the Hippies. Another free spirited people that thought their views of love and war would change the world and unite it in peace. Hippies expressed themselves through song, speech, rallies, and protest. Wood stock, Haight-Ashbury, and psychedelic rock often come to mind when many of us think of the Hippie generation. LSD and marijuana were popular drugs of the time and free sex gave way to a sexual revolution.
From poetry to peace signs, the Beatnik and Hippie generation made its mark on America. They opened minds and broke social barriers. They introduce alternate lifestyles, values, and ideologies that never had seen before this time. In a way, their open and peace loving spirits had an amazing effect on society and initiated an era of creative and original thinking.