What did hippies do to show their disapproval of mainstream values?
1 Answer
They based their lifestyle on a rejection of such values.
Explanation:
At the height of the hippie movement in the late 60's, post war generations across Western Europe and in the USA were rejecting the acceptance of their parents' culture and conformity.
There were a number of ways in which disapproval of mainstream values were represented by the hippie culture. Generally there was a rejection of the materialist and consumerist society of mainstream America. Hippies developed communes with shared roles. This was a rejection of traditional family structures and gender roles as well as traditional employment.
The dress and appearance of hippies also went against mainstream culture. Long hair beads and clothes which often reflected the growing influence of Eastern culture was in sharp contrast to the appearance of their parents.
The use of drugs by the hippie community also contrasted with mainstream values and again reflected the influence of the East.
Growing interest in alternative sources of spirituality such as buddhism, yoga and transcendental meditation was a further example.
Also the hippie emphasis on peace and love brought it into sharp contrast with increasing American involvement in the war in Vietnam.
