The term “hippie” came about In the 1960s and 1970s, and since has been used to describe a stereotype.  But does anyone truly know what a hippie is?  The hippies from the past are known for psychedelic music, drug use, protesting, and a unique style of clothing.  Now, this stereotype is being imitated by many young people who could not possibly grasp the concept of what it really means to be a hippie.

In the 60s and 70s the peace sign was used to portray the mindset of many people who wanted peace, but now represents “being cool.”  The original meaning behind the symbol is lost, and should only be used to represent peace in the world, not just a stylish and trendy symbol that decorates clothes and jewelry.

Music from the era showed hippies’ desire for peace.  The Beatles’ John Lennon portrayed and spoke out about his beliefs in many great yet controversial songs.  With the song “Imagine,” he tried to open the eyes of people and say “what if everything we are now seeing was completely different?”  Imagine if we were not in the war in Iraq? What if there was no war at all?  How different do you think the life you are leading would be? 

True, many of these hippie songs are just a bunch of drug induced “nonsense” such as “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly, which was supposed to be “In the Garden of Eden.” But some of the songs during the time period had great meaning behind them. Just like the books and essays we must read in our English classes we have to “dig deep” and “find the underlying meaning.” “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which is used in many movies, was the band’s way of protesting the government. Just like the stereotyping of “hippies,” the “Senator’s Sons” did not have to go to war but the regular ‘ol Joe was sent without second thought. Protesting was the result of fear about the Vietnam War and the draft that affected so many people.  Now that the draft is gone, it is hard to imagine what it could have possibly been like during that time period. By listening to the music with its strong beliefs and outrage, today’s youth can get a glimpse of how they felt.

With the world changing so dramatically year after year, we have become a more accepting and a completely different country.  We have even accepted our first African American president. During the 1960s Martin Luther King Jr., was just trying to get the white community to accept and make African Americans equal. Many hippies were trying to protest that racism and dying shouldn’t be tolerated.   

            The meaning of hippie has transformed into something different since the 1960s.  The “hippies” we know now sit around and listen to old music wearing band tees.   So are you a hippie?...probably not.