The Hippie Subculture

Originally emerged during the mid-1960's in the Unites States, then eventually spread around the world...

By Lorita Abazi

Appearance?

Hippies are usually associated with vivid clothing and long hair. They did not hesitate to flaunt flowers in their hair which explains why they were referred to as the 'flower children'. They also wore bandanas on their heads. Their authentic choice of clothing gave the impression that they were ripped and cut from colourful, patterned fabrics.

They ensured their appearance appeared laid back and fluent as they tried their best to deviate away from the social importance of appearance which is why some went bare foot and wore anklets as a symbol of their worship of natural beauty. 

Interests?

• "They projected every social and ethic defect onto their parents - the generation who, having survived depression and war, clung to middle-class prosperity and values like drowning sailors to a life vest." (Binkley 2002). This gives a clear idea of what they're interested in. They questions all elements of capitalism, including all social institutions such as the family, religion, education, economical success and consumerism.

• Main concepts that hippies claim for were peace, freedom, mind expansion, activism, music, spirituality and vegetarianism.

• Their concept of existence was simple - to live your life as you want to, do everything that you fancy, but mainly not to harm neither others nor the environment.

• "Don't worry, be happy." Bobby McFerrin (1988)

Lifestyle?

• Hippies were known as young people who rebelled against commercial, consumer-orientated by the means of their drug use, free sexuality, long hair and communal living.

• They rejected everything connected with materialism and preferred living in poverty than achieving a successful business career.

• When it comes to drug, such as marijuana, hippies perceived drug use as a form of freedom and a type of rebellion against capitalism.

• Smoking marijuana was associated with smoking the peace pipe due to it's relaxing and creativity-enhancing effects; all aspects which they embraced.

Symbolic Objects/Signs?

Anklets were worn as a part of their every day attire. Hippies embraced nature and the human body so they tended to opt for less clothing which is why they wore anklets with bare feet: as a symbol of natural beauty.

The peace sign was very important to the Hippie subculture. They wore this symbol often as a reflection of their values and beliefs. They were big supporters of free living, happiness and embracing each person as they are.

Representation in Media?

A superstition about hippies that they all were addicted to drugs was provided by the media: "extensive coverage of gatherings organized by Timothy Leary and Ken Kesey, during which they encouraged and facilitated the open use of the hallucinogenic drug LSD."

Society even felt threatened by their non-conformist free lifestyle. Society did not understand the Hippie culture and perceived their style as a cover-up of their inadequacy and laziness. This led to an inaccurate perception of the whole culture.