Although at one point there was a split, between those who became strongly political and revolutionary, and those who were into drugs, spiritual pursuits (eastern religions were big for awhile), inner change...too bad, because they're both so important.
I remember giving flowers to police in Hyde Park, London. I have lived in 4 different countries and am 77yrs old. I am just me strongly the same as I always was.
Caitlin, I feel your Angst!.. a mid-baby boomer born in US in 1956.. raised in the 60’s.. in a large family of older siblings… in Detroit through Motown to Hippie movement… had an Uncle turned me on to Zen, Alan Watts while he was living and the entire Awakening of the Peace Movement! Young man of 13 in 1969.. I was idealistic and remain So .. just celebrating my 70th B-day in Hiroshima to pray for Peace! Retired Social Worker LCSW … raised in Dearborn Michigan… and proud advocate for the Palestinian people for decades… I never believed and I saw clearer than most.. but never dreamed it would come to this… that we would become captured by Zionists… always believed MIC using Israel now is clear Israel using MIC.. tail wagging the Dog… not all of us from Hippie movement went to sleep
Not all of us caved. Some of us moved to the woods to escape the insanity. Once you realize the insanity, you never can go back. We are their scapegoats and that just makes one walk away. Perhaps those you talk about, either never saw it, or were too entitled to keep the faith. Nontheless, we may be bruised and battered, but I believe there are still many still around( and a great new crop of young-ins picking up the banner). Centuries of examples show they will never quench that spirit.
Rather than wasted energy on judging the fallen hippies, Perhaps, remembering that Soft power in the form of education can be a potent force for weakening cultures. Here in the US, it seems knowledge was always encased in soft power grooming. It takes an intellectual "born again experience" to see through it.
We love you too Caitlin. In solidarity from Denman Island, B.C., and The Islands Grapevine weekly newspaper, print and web. https://theislandsgrapevine.com
I am 76 and have recently gone back to college. What an absolutely wondrous experience so far! As part of my first class, Music History and Appreciation, we were asked to give a 20 minute presentation on the musical history of our family - grandparents through the present. When I arrived, during my presentation, at one of the most pivotal times in my life, the 60's, I realized fully that we had sold out. We had helped to stop a war. We had 10's and 100's of thousands in the streets. We died at Kent State. Country Joe and the Fish implored us at Woodstock and yet we walked away for high paying jobs and an easy life style. I apologized to my classmates! I fear for my classmates! I ended with a song from Pink Floyd and the line, " ...did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" Sadly, I did... Maybe there is still time for redemption
I question who this "we" is that you talk about. This hippie and others I know didn't "walk away for high paying jobs and an easy life style." Of course some did. But with all do respect don't project your guilt on to the rest of us with sweeping generalizations.
The search for justice never ends! The Hind Rajab Foundation is tracking down Israeli criminals, and bringing them to justice. This is vital in the effort to hold Israel accountable. May they also turn their sights on the criminal leaders of the countries of the west who are co-perpetrators of these crimes.
We love you too. And you might be surprised at how many former hippies are part of your group, including, yes, even from the San Francisco days of glory, the Haight and the Human be-in. Some of us never gave in or up.
"psychedelic-fueled idealism that collapsed into vapid yuppiedom"
the hippies became organic farmers or grew pot or made silver jewelry or mowed lawns or sold paintings or became teachers. I know these people. They just don't get any publicity any more.
You are simply fantastic and a real person. You don't need to "belong", as you belong to the best of humanity! Love from Belgium!
Way to go, Caitlin! Labels most of the time are only a way to further keep us separated, and nothing more.
I love you guys too, helping me to keep
some semblance of sanity in this shitcreek, beautiful world
We all share your aims. As Gandhi once said "It’s better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction.”
You are blessed. There is nothing worse than wanting interaction with others and being rebuked or ignored.
Peace!
\o/
So. Who do you think it was that protested the Vietnam war? Hippies. Who do you think it was that supported Dr. king and his dream? Hippies.
What I’m trying to say here is there wasn’t just navel gazing. There was movement. Lots of movement. Have faith Caitlin.
Although at one point there was a split, between those who became strongly political and revolutionary, and those who were into drugs, spiritual pursuits (eastern religions were big for awhile), inner change...too bad, because they're both so important.
I remember giving flowers to police in Hyde Park, London. I have lived in 4 different countries and am 77yrs old. I am just me strongly the same as I always was.
Peace.
This aging hippie agrees wholeheartedly.
Caitlin, I feel your Angst!.. a mid-baby boomer born in US in 1956.. raised in the 60’s.. in a large family of older siblings… in Detroit through Motown to Hippie movement… had an Uncle turned me on to Zen, Alan Watts while he was living and the entire Awakening of the Peace Movement! Young man of 13 in 1969.. I was idealistic and remain So .. just celebrating my 70th B-day in Hiroshima to pray for Peace! Retired Social Worker LCSW … raised in Dearborn Michigan… and proud advocate for the Palestinian people for decades… I never believed and I saw clearer than most.. but never dreamed it would come to this… that we would become captured by Zionists… always believed MIC using Israel now is clear Israel using MIC.. tail wagging the Dog… not all of us from Hippie movement went to sleep
Not all of us caved. Some of us moved to the woods to escape the insanity. Once you realize the insanity, you never can go back. We are their scapegoats and that just makes one walk away. Perhaps those you talk about, either never saw it, or were too entitled to keep the faith. Nontheless, we may be bruised and battered, but I believe there are still many still around( and a great new crop of young-ins picking up the banner). Centuries of examples show they will never quench that spirit.
Rather than wasted energy on judging the fallen hippies, Perhaps, remembering that Soft power in the form of education can be a potent force for weakening cultures. Here in the US, it seems knowledge was always encased in soft power grooming. It takes an intellectual "born again experience" to see through it.
Likewise here. Right on!
日本へようこそ
I hope you’re enjoying the journey! I line in Nagano, a long way from Hiroshima.
Love you too Caitlin. Your perspective has helped me navigate this post-October 7 world with clarity and resolve. We won’t let the dark side win. ❤️
Makin me cry like that before breakfast, darn you! And bless your heart 😭♥️♥️♥️
We love you too.
We LOVE YOU!!!!! 💓
We love you too Caitlin. In solidarity from Denman Island, B.C., and The Islands Grapevine weekly newspaper, print and web. https://theislandsgrapevine.com
I am 76 and have recently gone back to college. What an absolutely wondrous experience so far! As part of my first class, Music History and Appreciation, we were asked to give a 20 minute presentation on the musical history of our family - grandparents through the present. When I arrived, during my presentation, at one of the most pivotal times in my life, the 60's, I realized fully that we had sold out. We had helped to stop a war. We had 10's and 100's of thousands in the streets. We died at Kent State. Country Joe and the Fish implored us at Woodstock and yet we walked away for high paying jobs and an easy life style. I apologized to my classmates! I fear for my classmates! I ended with a song from Pink Floyd and the line, " ...did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" Sadly, I did... Maybe there is still time for redemption
I question who this "we" is that you talk about. This hippie and others I know didn't "walk away for high paying jobs and an easy life style." Of course some did. But with all do respect don't project your guilt on to the rest of us with sweeping generalizations.
The search for justice never ends! The Hind Rajab Foundation is tracking down Israeli criminals, and bringing them to justice. This is vital in the effort to hold Israel accountable. May they also turn their sights on the criminal leaders of the countries of the west who are co-perpetrators of these crimes.
Find out what they’re doing here:
https://www.hindrajabfoundation.org
The least we can do is donate to help them:
Support the Hind Rajab Foundation
https://donate.stripe.com/cN228hbY5g7jaM84gg
We love you too. And you might be surprised at how many former hippies are part of your group, including, yes, even from the San Francisco days of glory, the Haight and the Human be-in. Some of us never gave in or up.
Right on!
"psychedelic-fueled idealism that collapsed into vapid yuppiedom"
the hippies became organic farmers or grew pot or made silver jewelry or mowed lawns or sold paintings or became teachers. I know these people. They just don't get any publicity any more.