The Crazy Rants of Samantha BurnsNeo-Hippy Defined
I was asked recently by Diane's Stuff and MR.BIG what a neo-hippy is in comparison to the late 60's - 70's hippy. Yes, other's have coined terms for these modern hippies such as web-hippies, cyber-hippies, and zippies, but I find that neo-hippy is more appropriate because they are a new-age type of hippy - not all are into the Internet - but they are different from the flower child of the 70's.
The way I figure it, the folks out there protesting in today's day and age are different from the hippies of the 70's. There was a certain innocence in the flower child that does not and cannot exist with the neo-hippy. They aren't exactly about peace and love, and some good tune-age, they seem to be more about violence for the sake of arguing a point and would rather partake of damage and destruction than tolerance and acceptance.
This Hippy Site states what a hippy is,
"To be a hippie you must believe in peace as the way to resolve differences among peoples, ideologies and religions. The way to peace is through love and tolerance. Loving means accepting others as they are, giving them freedom to express themselves and not judging them based on appearances. This is the core of the hippie philosophy."
I just find that whenever there is a protest where neo-hippies linger, there is not a lot of love, peace, and tolerance, nor "accepting others as they are". Every neo-hippy I've encountered, including some of my acquaintances, has tried to force their beliefs down my throat and then get irate and storm out of the room when others discuss things from their own point of view. Sure they have liberal views similar to the 70's hippies, but they give no freedom of expression to others... it's their way or no way.
Still not convinced? Look at the violence of the 1999 Woodstock. Did that embarrassment happen at the 1969 Woodstock, heck no. Today's hippy philosophy is lash out for no good reason, and when there is reason, lash out with force to the extreme.
While I'm on the subject of hippies, if you are one or enjoy getting high and watching freak shows, don't forget to get your tickets to Burning Man August 29 - September 5.
Comments
Glad we got that defined! I was wondering. I can agree with that assessment. That Burning Man event- WOW! I'd be up for something like that if I didn't have kids to get off to school daily- LOL!
Posted by: Diane | August 28, 2005 09:49 AM
o.0 I think you're talking about people in the grunge scene...
Posted by: StealthBadger![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.samanthaburns.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 1, 2005 05:43 PM
No, grunge is different to me. The grunge scene is just the depressed-about-the-world 90's music scene.
I'm talking about the hippies of today's society. The one's who are self-righteous and would rather trash a place to get their political views heard than protest peacefully. The people I know, the neo-hippies I know, don't listen to that grunge music, but they do dress and behave like the flower child of the 70's only they get super pissy and slam things to get their point across and absolutely refuse to allow freedom of expression for anyone else.
Perhaps there is something of a crossover between disgruntled grunge fans and neo-hippies as they may share similar viewpoints. Not everyone sits in a particular category perfectly. Anyhow, this is my categorising of it, and nobody has to agree. That's how I see things when it comes to the violent animal rights/human rights/anti-war liberalist protesters out there.
Posted by: Sam | September 1, 2005 06:03 PM
True but at Woodstock 99, instead of the peace loving bands of the original, this one was run by corporations and featured bands that represent anger and lashing out on some level. You combine that with extremely hot weather, $10 bottles of water and the anger of the music....and all I can say is that this was gasoline awaiting a match.
In my opinon if they want to create a peaceful visit to Woodstaock they should start with bands that also practice peace. In their music as well as their lives. Because I fail to see how a band like Limp Bizkit makes you want to love your brother man.
Posted by: Angie | June 7, 2007 02:08 PM
hi sam, sorry but i completely disagree with your opinion, i have found that people i've encountered with pushy irritating 'i lnow it all and i have to ram it down your throat' demeanours actually come from diverse sub cultures/creeds/religions/ethnicities/social stratas! I cannot say that 'neo hippys' (what a stupid term!) take the lead on self righteousness. You are stating a mighty generalisation that takes nobody further in terms of resolution between different people. I share many of the concerns that 60s hippies raised in common culture (born in 1977) and yes i have dreadlocks, but it doesn't define my personality. Try and take people as individuals rather than automatically place them in a box defined by your own prejudices (note- i am guilty of that too at times, we all are) but i do get tired of people slandering others based on ridiculous steroetypes!
Posted by: lise | February 19, 2008 04:20 PM