Do hippies even exist?

I've been thinking of this for a while, but I thought I'd make a post after reading the other hippie thread. Now I know a lot of people are discussing the resurgence of the hippie-days, and who knows it may happen, but I personally don't think it will be a clone of the 60's.

Anyway, the reason I ask "do hippies even exist" is because I've been thinking, isn't "Hippie" really a term given to the peace-loving generation by mainstream (north) american rulers? I mean, what we have here is a massive revival of a culture in which people experiment with all states of consciousness, encourage a back-to-nature type of pure lifestyle, and seek a state of loving peace and compassion through spiritual exploration, and rejection of what mainstream society has determined to be the norm.

This seems more like a natural human compulsion, however, as cultures all around the world have done the very same thing. Look at ancient India, China, the Native Americans, the South American Natives, all forms of meditation from around the world, the countless shamans who used Salvia, Mushrooms, Cannabis, Morning Glory Seeds, and countless other psychadelics all in the name of exploring higher forms of consciousness. Some of our greatest religious and philisophical minds, and other who were only important to those around them, basically adopted the same philosophy of releasing the mind from the homogenized state of the culture in which they reside. Instead they embraced a spiritual lifestyle of mental exploration and universal love, all done through self-exploration. Yet it would seem in a society in which "spirituality" means going to church every day and thinking through conformity, those who once again sought to do what people have done since the beginnings of humanity are called "hippies", "freaks", "losers", and so on. I would postulate that these terms are merely the product of a society which has been consumed by materialism and superficial lifestyles that are set as what's appropriate, and these "hippies" are in fact the same need for mental and spiritual exploration we have always looked for, though perhapse with less or poorer guidance than we had in the ancient days, when buying a car and getting an ipod wasn't the most important aspect of life.

thoughts?

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Originally Posted by mrdevious

I've been thinking of this for a while, but I thought I'd make a post after reading the other hippie thread. Now I know a lot of people are discussing the resurgence of the hippie-days, and who knows it may happen, but I personally don't think it will be a clone of the 60's.

Anyway, the reason I ask "do hippies even exist" is because I've been thinking, isn't "Hippie" really a term given to the peace-loving generation by mainstream (north) american rulers? I mean, what we have here is a massive revival of a culture in which people experiment with all states of consciousness, encourage a back-to-nature type of pure lifestyle, and seek a state of loving peace and compassion through spiritual exploration, and rejection of what mainstream society has determined to be the norm.

This seems more like a natural human compulsion, however, as cultures all around the world have done the very same thing. Look at ancient India, China, the Native Americans, the South American Natives, all forms of meditation from around the world, the countless shamans who used Salvia, Mushrooms, Cannabis, Morning Glory Seeds, and countless other psychadelics all in the name of exploring higher forms of consciousness. Some of our greatest religious and philisophical minds, and other who were only important to those around them, basically adopted the same philosophy of releasing the mind from the homogenized state of the culture in which they reside. Instead they embraced a spiritual lifestyle of mental exploration and universal love, all done through self-exploration. Yet it would seem in a society in which "spirituality" means going to church every day and thinking through conformity, those who once again sought to do what people have done since the beginnings of humanity are called "hippies", "freaks", "losers", and so on. I would postulate that these terms are merely the product of a society which has been consumed by materialism and superficial lifestyles that are set as what's appropriate, and these "hippies" are in fact the same need for mental and spiritual exploration we have always looked for, though perhapse with less or poorer guidance than we had in the ancient days, when buying a car and getting an ipod wasn't the most important aspect of life.

thoughts?

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Thoughts?

Yeah you're high. Thats the only thing I was thinking as I read that whole thing.

hippies are all over, most on dead tour :thumbsup:

We're everywhere.

Also, you pose a great point about culture and society and it's always nice to see someone else with a "hippie" outlook and values (if that is in fact what you were implying and not merely toying with a notion without taking it on as your own necessarily). Thing is, it's all been said before. Leary and all the greats have talked about it. Hell, even George Carlin the comedian has talked about it. There seems to be another hippie movement that seeks to essentially join forces with the old hippies and new generation of hippies. Which, to me, is the best kind of hippie community. The new ones learn from the old ones experience and the new take the infomation (hopefully) and apply it with modern society in mind, not 1968. While the dynamics haven't changed much, there's been some significant changes and just like they represented a generation, the young ones too have their chance.

Likewise, for the hardcore hippies who want to leave society in the dust in a little more radical, modernized way there's always this option.

Check out Humbold county, California. The streets are littered with hippies, and great weed at a good price.

yes.

Hmmm... Well I am a hippie, and so is my good friend Jimmy, and were damn proud.

I know what you mean Mr.D. Society, these days, isn't reflecting a hippy-population. True hippies are from the 60's. I'm gonna keep the "pothead" status. "Stoner" offends me because I would never throw rocks at people, especially if they're standing against a wall.

im a pothead im not a hippie

im too violent, have no regard for the earth, eat processed foods, and work for money. but fuck it it pays the bills

Hippie was a convenient label to throw at people seeking peace and social justice. However, these notions soon spread beyond hippiedom and began to penetrate the mainstream, thus scaring the shit out of the right wing control mechanisms (CIA, FBI). Their solution: DISCO, baby... the most effective government conspiracy of all time

since when do hippies own computers. i know alot of hippies, most of them dont even know how to turn a computer on. you must be some pretty medernized hippies man. maybe this is a new era of hippies, the computer using, big word typing, suberb grunge hippies. if you want to meet real hippies go to tonasket barter fair in washington and talk to the crazy old hippy at the front. he is nutz, but cool as shit. and if i offended you by saying your a week hippie....im sry and i wub you **tickle** no im not gay im just friendly.

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Originally Posted by graymatter

Hippie was a convenient label to throw at people seeking peace and social justice. However, these notions soon spread beyond hippiedom and began to penetrate the mainstream, thus scaring the shit out of the right wing control mechanisms (CIA, FBI). Their solution: DISCO, baby... the most effective government conspiracy of all time

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I grew up with Disco..and still listen to it when I clean house..I love Shake,Shake,Shake-Shake your booty..:)

Hippies, potheads, stoners, no matter what we are called I think we ROCK!

:D

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

I grew up with Disco..and still listen to it when I clean house..I love Shake,Shake,Shake-Shake your booty..:)

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That's the beauty of it dude... hippies still love you ;)

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Originally Posted by graymatter

That's the beauty of it dude... hippies still love you ;)

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haha..and I love them! Just one little thing though...I am a dudette..female here.:)

Emmett Grogan, according to WBAI Radio (NYC Pacifica Station) host Bob Fass, was the only real â??Hippieâ?�. He was, among other things, instrumental in the founding of the Diggers, their â??Free Store(s)â?�, the whole Haight Ashbury Scene, and was involved with various aspects of the counterculture all over the country. He died in 1978, in New York - where he originally was from (Brooklyn).

His autobiography is worth reading:
Ringolevio: A Life Played for Keeps (Citadel Underground) (Paperback)
by Emmett Grogan, Peter Coyote (Introduction)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080...lance&n=283155

The "Free Store" gave out many useful things to people in need. Much of this was personally stolen from stores, trucks, warehouses, etc., by Grogan himself, who was an accomplished thief, and his confederates. Eventually, his people stopped helping him and he did it alone. The low-income beneficiaries of his work, who had no idea where the goods came from, actually complained when he showed up late with food, clothing, etc.

Emmett was a junkie and one of the original "diggers" that helped feed others and had a relationship with the police in keeping the peace...he also inspired Abbie Hoffman..I wouldn't say he was the ONLY hippie :)

I think hippie
has become more of a style
than a lifestyle
A reason not to work
and do more drugs
Where are the peace protests?
march on Washington?
You know there is a FUCKING war going on RIGHT NOW!!!!
If you claim to be a hippie
and you are doing nothing
You should be ashamed

I met a lady a few months ago when i was in Ohio
who was a hippie
very nice
I marched in the MLK parade with her
Vegan
She walked all the way accross the U.S.A. in 86'
for Global Disarnament
It was called the Great Peace March
NOW that is a hippie

Times are very different...are you active in more projects than just marching? I wouldn't say people should be ashamed for being careful these days..but that is just my opinion of course..really..what will marching accomplish? And why say being a hippie is just an excuse to do more drugs and not work? That is so untrue and just sterotyping.

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

Emmett was a junkie and one of the original "diggers" that helped feed others and had a relationship with the police in keeping the peace...he also inspired Abbie Hoffman..I wouldn't say he was the ONLY hippie :)

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Well, I didn't say it - Bob Fass knew just about all of the influential counterculture people, and this was his opinion. I suspect that he meant that he (Grogan) was the only one that consistantly acted on his convictions - he backed up his words with actions.

I only read his book, and heard second-hand stories on the radio, etc. He apparently started using junk at an early age, and died rather young. The official story of his death was that he had a "heart attack" on the subway, in NYC. I believe that it was actually an OD, but I don't remember. Perhaps the recent edition of his autobiography, with a new introduction by (his friend) Peter Coyote, sheds some light on this. I read the book (from the library!) years ago, before Grogan had died.

Abbie Hoffman worte a book called "Steal This Book", which encompassed many of the ideas that Grogan had formulated.

Bob Dylan dedicated his 1978 album "Street-Legal" to Grogan

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

Times are very different...are you active in more projects than just marching? I wouldn't say people should be ashamed for being careful these days..but that is just my opinion of course..really..what will marching accomplish? And why say being a hippie is just an excuse to do more drugs and not work? That is so untrue and just sterotyping.

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Just so you know
I am not a hippie
Not even close
Answer this question
What are hippies doing these days?
besides more drugs

Why are they being careful?

At least marching shows a sign of resistence to the government
and that Peace has a chance

Well of course you didn't say it..exactly why I didn't post your quote in my post. Bob Fass was included in your first sentence..I was just giving my opinion and info on what I have read about him...When I post..and I am posting to an original post..I usually include the quote..no need for defending yourself in reply to what my opinion is..and I do believe I got the gist of Bob Fass.

Just found the answer to the question of how Grogan died:

â??Emmett's road petered out 'at the end of the line' of the Coney Island subway April Fools Day 1978--some twelve years later, where his body was found, dead of an overdose. Even in death he was charismatic. The detective who found his body said, â??I took one look and said to myself, â??This is somebody.â??â?�
From Playing for Keeps, By Peter Coyote


http://www.diggers.org//freefall/forkeeps.html

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Originally Posted by geonagual

Just so you know
I am not a hippie
Not even close
Answer this question
What are hippies doing these days?
besides more drugs

Why are they being careful?

At least marching shows a sign of resistence to the government
and that Peace has a chance

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Who said YOU were a hippie? And why do you assume all hippies do are drugs? I would give that label to the teenagers and young adults around here...not the true hippies...and if you have to ask why some people are careful these days then maybe you should be marching inWashington yourself instead of trying to blame a certain group of people for all of todays problems...there are many other ways of changing laws than marching these days and getting your name on a list. Read your post...even you give a incorrect judgemental label to hippies and your not even one yourself..your logic is very contadictory. Could you answer my questions before you start asking me to answer yours? How can you give a label to hippies (doing drugs/won't work) when you are asking me..what do hippies do?! Before you give that label maybe you should actually educate yourself on their lifestyle.

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Originally Posted by LIP

Hmmm... Well I am a hippie, and so is my good friend Jimmy, and were damn proud.

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I didnt know there was any hippies in england i thought that was just america

yes. i dont really agree with your definition but i guess its variable. i always thought of hippies as people who were peace loving and loved smoking weed. however i also always thought they were lazy dirty and smelly, talked about making change but instead just dropped some acid and went to a concert. and whether you agree with my definition or not it doesnt really matter, they do exist, just go to the next widespread panic concert, or any jam band for that matter, in your area and it will be proven.

I don't know any in our cirlce who even does acid or concerts...not happening here....we usually stay busy in some manner having to deal with the crystal meth epedimic in this State....so many bathtub labs exploding we stay pretty busy with the long term after effects.

I think Im becoming a hippie, in the way that Im all for organic foods/growing your own food (gonna dig up the garden this summer and grow my own veg. patch, all by myself! I feel proud :) ), no wars, erm.... cant think of anything else right now, Im too tired.
Oh, and smoking Jah Herb for spirituality, and also magical magical mush. But Im not really ready for mush yet.
Id just love to be sitting outside, playing some bongos and guitar around a fire, passing a J and cooking your own food that you grew with your bare hands over a stove. Then you go back to your house, that you built yourself, and wear the clothes that you made yourself from Hemp.

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Originally Posted by Swizzy89304

I think Im becoming a hippie, in the way that Im all for organic foods/growing your own food (gonna dig up the garden this summer and grow my own veg. patch, all by myself! I feel proud :) ), no wars, erm.... cant think of anything else right now, Im too tired.
Oh, and smoking Jah Herb for spirituality, and also magical magical mush. But Im not really ready for mush yet.
Id just love to be sitting outside, playing some bongos and guitar around a fire, passing a J and cooking your own food that you grew with your bare hands over a stove. Then you go back to your house, that you built yourself, and wear the clothes that you made yourself from Hemp.

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Now your talking! haha..I also love growing organic when I can...wish I knew how to make hemp clothing..

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Originally Posted by graymatter

Their solution: DISCO, baby... the most effective government conspiracy of all time

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You make it seem like people really didn't like disco, that the government put them up to it, in order to draw attention away from the hippies. :confused:

Yep..thats why he gave me a wink beachguy...I do still love Disco..I even miss rollerskating to ABBA ( I know..they weren't disco) but they were part of that "era"..I loved the 70's!

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Originally Posted by beachguy in thongs

You make it seem like people really didn't like disco, that the government put them up to it, in order to draw attention away from the hippies. :confused:

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The "Hippie" stuff was pretty-much long gone by the time Disco came around. I can't see how the "government" had anything to do with the popularity of Disco.

I remember the filming of Saturday Night Fever in my neighborhood, and others, in Brooklyn, c. 1976. I didn't like very much of it, but there were, and still are, worse forms of "rock".

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco,
this ain't no fooling around
No time for dancing, or lovey dovey,
I ain't got time for that now
Talking Heads

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

Yep..thats why he gave me a wink beachguy...I do still love Disco..I even miss rollerskating to ABBA ( I know..they weren't disco) but they were part of that "era"..I loved the 70's!

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I miss rollerskating to Bon Jovi. :smokin:

Sorry, about missing out on the 70's, I couldn't fit into my pants, yet.

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

Now your talking! haha..I also love growing organic when I can...wish I knew how to make hemp clothing..

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Yeah, same here. You could save up all the stalks from your grow, and make shoes out of them. I just love the idea of 'self sustainability' if thats even the right word. You all know what I mean!

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Originally Posted by Shelbay

haha..and I love them! Just one little thing though...I am a dudette..female here.:)

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Sorry, "dude" is meant to be gender nuetral. Rock... or Disco on!

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Originally Posted by cannabis campbell

I didnt know there was any hippies in england i thought that was just america

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Hippies, anarchists, communists, socialists, whatever the fuck you want to call yourself... just get George FUCKIN' bush out of office before he figures out that he has the key to the bomb!

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Originally Posted by graymatter

Hippies, anarchists, communists, socialists, whatever the fuck you want to call yourself... just get George FUCKIN' bush out of office before he figures out that he has the key to the bomb!

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lmao hahaha nah he won't ever figure that out, he did way to much cocaine back in the day. come on our president is obviously fried off of something:smokin:

i have to say that sadly enough the hippies around here arent true hippies. They are people that are forced to have a hippie label because they are complete cowards and cannot stand up for themselves and are very submissive. Now they can either be labeled a little bitch with no fuckin guts or they can be labeled a "hippie" so to speak....I guess for their situation they chose the best answer.....Its really quite pathetic if you ask me

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Originally Posted by graymatter

Hippie was a convenient label to throw at people seeking peace and social justice. However, these notions soon spread beyond hippiedom and began to penetrate the mainstream, thus scaring the shit out of the right wing control mechanisms (CIA, FBI). Their solution: DISCO, baby... the most effective government conspiracy of all time

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You are right. The word was meant to be derogatory. When i heard the word "hippe" i thought...wow Hippie? that dont sound very good"
Thats what the establishment does to discredit people who arent in step with them. Calls em names.
dai*ma:stoned:

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Originally Posted by Breukelen advocaat

The "Hippie" stuff was pretty-much long gone by the time Disco came around. I can't see how the "government" had anything to do with the popularity of Disco.

I remember the filming of Saturday Night Fever in my neighborhood, and others, in Brooklyn, c. 1976. I didn't like very much of it, but there were, and still are, worse forms of "rock".

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Sorry, I didn't make my point very well, so let's put the music aside for now. Disco (Distracting Individuals from Spreading Communist Order) was a social engineering program of the U.S. government to combat the counter-culture of the time. The strategic planning for Disco was conducted by the CIA and the U.S. Department of Interior in 1969, during the first Nixon administration. The aim was to alter the norms and behaviors of a generation focused way too much on social and political change. The program was meant to be launched in 1972 but Watergate apparently made operatives nervous. How did it work? Dress codes were established in clubs to create conformity; complex dance discouraged the spontaneous, communal movements of the 1960's; and several elitist clubs were opened to promote class distinction and materialism. By the late 1970's Disco's objectives of creating both social division and cultural conformity were achieved, resulting in a fragmented, less ideological generation.

And if I can keep on babbling like this for another hundred paragraphs maybe I could get a large grant... :rasta: