Over the past 40 years, most people have forgotten about the hippies and their impact on society. This site describes the hippies' roots and legacies; and clears up old right wing myths about the hippies. Hippies represented the cultural side of other political movements during the sixties (focused on civil rights, women's rights and an end to the war.) Hippies were mainly young idealists who believed we were the vanguard of a new society.
 Over the past 40 years, most people have forgotten about the hippies and their impact on society. This site describes the hippies' roots and legacies; and clears up old right wing myths about the hippies. Hippies represented the cultural side of other political movements during the sixties (focused on civil rights, women's rights and an end to the war.) Hippies were mainly young idealists who believed we were the vanguard of a new society.
The term “hip” indicates that someone is in the know. Hip people are more aware of what's happening around them. As young people starting showing up in San Francisco, the media referred to them as “hippies.” As younger versions of the hip crowd, they also enjoyed sex, drugs, and music.
The term "hippy" was originally intended as a complement. However, unprecedented media attention in the late sixties caused the term to fall out of favor within the counterculture. Many opted instead to be called “heads” or “freaks.” In fact, there was a funeral marking the "death of the hippies" in San Francisco on ______________. After that time, the more radical young people adopted the term "yippie."
At the leading edge of social change, hippies launched a paradigm shift that continues to spread throughout society. Actually, there were not many identifiable hippies; estimates are that less than a million young people had fully adopted the hippy lifestyle and values during its peak in the sixties. Millions of others joined the hippies on a part-time basis and adopted many of their attitudes and behaviors. Opposition to the establishment and the need to freak out the straights placed the hippies on the edge of society. Hippies are defined by their efforts to make the world a better place by waking society from its apathy.
The established media sensationalized hippies by a focus on sex, drugs, appearance, lifestyles and music. Many young people were drawn to San Francisco for the Summer of Love in 1967. The alternative press and new FM radio stations helped disseminate hippy music, philosophies and lifestyles. The hippies represented a cultural and intellectual renaissance that called into question many existing beliefs and behaviors. They were among the first to express public concerns about animals and the environment.
Because so much social change was underway in the sixties, each movement helped transform our culture. Hippies were closely allied with and supportive of the antiwar movement, civil rights, women’s liberation, and the environmental movements. Hippies were increasingly at odds with the more militant protest groups. Hippies wanted peace and saw no justification for violence. Hippies also felt a strong sympathy and respect for other cultures, especially Native Americans.
Hippies represented the latest in a long line of counter cultural forces that aimed to change society and set people free. Throughout history, small groups of brave visionaries have actively questioned the ideas and values of the ruling elite. In fact, Jesus is considered the first counter culture visionary in the Western world to have a lasting impact on modern society. While preaching love and community, he and his followers actively opposed the Roman empire. The early Christians expressed many of the same values, beliefs and habits as the hippies. America’s founding fathers can also be considered to be hippies in many ways.
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HipHappy Legacy 
