Millennials and the 1960s Hippies: Cultural Bridges or Barriers?

Would someone from this generation get along with 1960s counterculture hippies, considering their values? The answer to this intriguing question varies, as both groups share some commonalities yet also face significant differences in their beliefs and practices.

Understanding the 1960s Counterculture

The 1960s counterculture hippies were not monolithic in their ideals and values. These individuals were deeply committed to anti-war sentiments, environmentalism, and social equality. However, within their ranks, there were often disagreements, and not every hippie adhered strictly to the movement's principles. One notable example was a peace march in the mid-1960s where two individuals carried opposing signs, one advocating for negotiations in Vietnam and the other urging a military withdrawal entirely. These contrasts highlight the diversity within the counterculture.

Millennials and Their Alignment with Hippie Values

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, often find themselves resonating with the values of the 1960s counterculture hippies. These individuals share a deep appreciation for peace, environmentalism, and social justice. Whether it's peaceful protests, support for LGBTQ rights, or activism against environmental degradation, millennials have much in common with the hippies of the 1960s. For instance, many millennials embrace vegetarianism and veganism, similar to the "health food" movement of the hippies, and they advocate for sustainable practices.

Shared and Diverse Experiences

While many millennials and hippies share common ground, there are also significant differences. For example, the hippies' commitment to alternative lifestyles, such as grown-ups living off the land or working as spongers, often involved a rejection of traditional social norms. In contrast, millennials tend to value more structured living situations and often have a more pragmatic approach to their lives. Despite these differences, certain elements of the hippie movement, such as the value of personal freedom and communal living, have influenced modern generations.

The Free Speech Movement: A Turning Point

The Free Speech Movement (FSM) at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1964 is a pivotal moment that underscores the evolution of values in both generations. This movement was a response to campus restrictions on free speech and was instrumental in shaping the student rights movement. Interestingly, a Christian hippie movement also emerged within the counterculture, exemplified by the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. This demonstrates that even within the hippie movement, there was room for diverse beliefs and practices.

The Current State of Intellectual Freedom

Unfortunately, the liberal values of the 1960s counterculture have been eroded by contemporary ideologies that promote censorship and cancel culture. Today, speakers are often shouted down, books are burned, and the idea of free speech is under severe threat. This stark contrast highlights how far we have fallen in fostering an environment that embraces diverse opinions and ideas.

In conclusion, while millennials and 1960s hippies share many values, the differences in their views and practices highlight both the bridges and the barriers between these generations. It is these contrasts that provide rich material for continued reflection and dialogue between the generations.