Hippies rebel against the established American culture (hence the term, “counterculture.”) We actively reject many of the norms and beliefs our parents and teachers tried to impose on us. We oppose big business and corrupt government. We ignore most authority figures and openly break absurd and unfair rules.
 Hippies and many others openly questioned the official government justifications for the Viet Nam war; this led to widespread and effective protest demonstrations. Many young men dodged the draft by any means necessary.
Hippies also question the authority of parents and teachers to tell us how we should look, talk and act. We wanted to look different to freak out the straights and show solidarity with other hippies. Men wore their hair long. Women quit using makeup and wearing bras.
The underground press and newly developed FM radio helped spread the hippy message. Hippies urged each other to “never trust anyone over thirty.” Hippies also used “obscene” language and nudity to confront the up-tight culture. Timothy Leary encouraged us to “Turn on, tune in, and drop out.” This is a much more sophisticated philosophy than simply taking drugs - it involved turning on to the changes that were taking place. We were also trying to tune into new energies and ideas, this required that we drop out of the rat race. We recognize how often the government and corporations lie in order to promote the selfish interests of the power elite.
Hippies question many assumptions we have been fed since childhood, such as the Puritan work ethic. We refused to deny ourselves pleasure and fulfillment, just to avoid “going to Hell.” Like most eastern religions and true Christianity, hippies believe that people are basically good and all have divine essence. Fundamentalists argue the opposite and claim that they alone hold the key to salvation (for a price). These fundamentalists have set themselves up as moral gatekeepers for the rest of us. However, they are threatened by any one that rejects their assumptions or the authority of their ideology.
American consumer society is built on the need to continue selling more products, whether people actually need them or not. Hippies question such compulsive consumption and the practice of planned obsolescence. Corporations try to convince us that we need to have the latest and greatest in order to be truly happy. Our economy is based on the exploitation of new markets. Companies spend considerable money trying to convince us that what we already have is not good enough.
Hippies had an uneasy relationship with the radical faction of the anti-war movement. Like Jesus, Gandhi, and others, the hippies believed in the importance of non-violent protest. We found out that various forms of street theater could actually have an important impact on society by catching the attention of onlookers.
How to Question Authority:
* Refuse to believe the lies our government has been telling us about war, the economy, security, and the environment. Do not depend on the government to make you happy, healthy, or wealthy. They serve the needs of big business and a small group of wealthy, mostly white families. We all need to become more resourceful and sustainable in our local communities.
* Quit watching network news and reading mainstream newspapers. They oversimplify issues and convey a false sense of certainty. Be particularly careful of networks and publications that take the establishment position on controversial topics. Instead, watch comedy to “brush up” on the current events, including the likes of John Stewart, Bill Maher, and Colin Quinn. Get your news from a wide range of sources, such as Alternet.org and other on-line sources. Talk with your family and friends, and value their opinions more than the power elite.
* Don’t believe it when government tells you to “just say no” to marijuana and other soft drugs. The establishment knows that it is harder to control and fool people who can see alternative perspectives. Those are the same people that make money from the sale and taxation of alcohol and tobacco products (which are much more dangerous). Work with statewide and local initiatives to get the Feds off the backs of the chronically ill, as well as those adults who want the right to pursue happiness as they choose.
* When you feel that something is wrong, engage in non-violent acts of civil disobedience and market protests. Use techniques such as boycotts, protest demonstrations, and letters to the editor. Organize like-minded people because small numbers can make a huge difference. Don’t expect any significant or relevant change through the electoral process. We must not elect any more republicans, for they tend to spoil our future and America’s reputation in the world.
* Pay attention to corporate responsibility. Invest in and buy products from companies that have the best record on environment, fairness, and community involvement. Many people now have learned the importance of supporting independent local businesses. It does help to call consumer hot lines and express your displeasure. Organize people over the Internet to engage in such action. Support local, coffee shops instead of Starbucks. Buy things from local family businesses rather than Wal-mart.
* Use wireless communication to stage flash mob protests against unjust laws, pollution and corporate crime. Young Philippine activists were able to overthrow the US-backed Marcos regime using text messaging. To help defeat the unjust war on marijuana, hippies could meet in different locations to smoke at different times. They would be able to disperse within a few minutes, consuming any “evidence” in the process.
* Break free from the commercial culture which aims to sell you things you don’t really need. Step off the up-grade treadmill for cars and computers. Money is better spent supporting active culture, such as literature and music. Our wasteful lifestyles threaten all that we hold dear. You already have everything you need to be happy. Don’t buy excess “stuff.” Trade in or repair products rather than throwing them out. The Internet will soon deliver content to us with much less wasted time and materials.
* Understand your decisions and behaviors by analyzing the assumptions that underlie your choices. Consider whose vested interests are served by these often unspoken assumptions. Some profit motives and control structure are obvious. We often fail to notice the more subtle social and cultural assumptions that determine our beliefs and behavior.
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