Hippies In Australia During The 1960s
During the 1960s, many significant things occurred that affected the history of Australia.
Though, this is not what the time period was recognized for. The Hippies were born into the fluctuating world of the early 1950s and late 1940s. They were raised in the heart of a
revolution, a time when sexual liberty, drug usage, and psychedelic music took center
stage. Countless numbers of the hippies were protesting after the post-war period because their parents were very traditional and conventional. This fueled the youth’s revolt against the typical, selfish, and violent society.
The 1960s presented Hippies with the chance to express their beliefs and attitudes in a number of diverse ways. One way was through their lifestyle choices, which rejected the materialism and consumerism of mainstream society. Hippies often lived in communes, shared their possessions, and sought to create alternative communities based on love, peace, and equality.
An issue that intensified hippie’s opinions was the atrocities of the Vietnam War, which
hippies strongly opposed. They particularly opposed the draft into the Vietnam War,
believing that war was wrong and that innocent American men and even boys should not be required to fight if doing so was against their ethical values. The extensive efforts of
campaigners such as Martin Luther King Jr. also fueled the hippie movement because it
inspired people to voice their opinions on what they believed in and feel free to express their ethical and moral values and be who they are. Furthermore, many say that the hippie movement was influenced by the assassination of John F. Kennedy, a respected president whose passing fueled the political and social turbulence of the era.
Hippies were known for their willingness to often reject the customs, traditions, and
lifestyles of society in order to develop their own. They believed that helping the public to share their views openly would help change the world into a better, more harmonious
society. Consequently, Hippies opposed Australia and U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Hippies often handed people flowers to show their kindness, leading to them being
referred to as “flower children.”
Many Hippies shared their properties and never established a regular job, family, or home. They often wandered from place to place seeking casual work and temporary housing. They also let their hair grow out, wore open-toed shoes or went barefoot, and frequently wore
clothing that was brightly colored with interesting designs.
Yet, numerous Hippies associated themselves with drugs such as LSD and marijuana, as
these drugs were easily accessible during that era. LSD affects the user and causes them to have hallucinations and alters their mind space and perception of reality, triggering them to hear or see things that do not exist. “Drug experiences shaped many of their symbols and ideas” (World Book Encyclopedia, 2004).
Hippies also expressed their views through art and music. Psychedelic art, characterized by bright colors, surreal imagery, and swirling patterns, became a visual representation of the hippie ethos. Music festivals, such as Woodstock in 1969, became iconic gatherings where hippies could share their ideals of peace, love, and unity. Bands like The Beatles, The
Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane produced music that reflected the countercultural movement’s themes, and their songs became anthems of the era.
One notable aspect of the hippie movement was its deep connection to environmentalism.
Hippies were among the first groups to advocate for sustainable living, organic farming, and a closer relationship with nature. In Australia, this environmental consciousness led to the formation of various eco-communities and the early adoption of practices like
permaculture, which sought to create self-sustaining agricultural ecosystems.
Additionally, the influence of Eastern philosophies and religions was a significant aspect of
the hippie culture. Many hippies turned to practices such as yoga, meditation, and
vegetarianism, drawing inspiration from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern spiritual traditions. These practices were seen as a way to achieve inner peace and spiritual
enlightenment, contrasting with the materialistic values of Western society.
The hippie movement also played a crucial role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
Hippies advocated for sexual liberation, challenging the conservative sexual norms of the
time. This shift in attitudes had a profound impact on Australian society, contributing to the gradual erosion of traditional gender roles and the advancement of women's rights.
In summary, the hippie movement in Australia during the 1960s was a complex and
multifaceted cultural phenomenon. It challenged existing social norms, promoted
environmentalism, spiritual exploration, and sexual liberation, and left a lasting impact on Australian society. While the movement faced criticism and controversy, its influence can still be seen today in various aspects of Australian culture and lifestyle.
