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Hippies and Police: A Historical Perspective

January 07, 2025Culture1074
Hippies and Police: A Historical P

Hippies and Police: A Historical Perspective

In general, people think that hippies were anti-police. However, it is important to note that not all police were anti-hippies either. They would even share a bowl or two of marijuana in certain situations. This article delves into the history of hippies, their relationship with the police, and the complex social dynamics of the era.

Origins of Hippies

Hippies were essentially a rebranding of the beatniks of the 1950s. Like the beatniks, they were intellectual, leftist, and nonconformist, engaging in drug use. However, a significant difference was that beatniks embraced a simpler, almost ascetic lifestyle of poverty and simplicity.

The term "beat" in "beatnik" comes from the word "beatific"—to live in happiness and contentment. The origin of the word "hippie" is more intriguing. It derives from opium users who historically laid on their hips, hence the "hip" part of the term.

The Changing Dynamics of the 1960s

The Viet Nam War and the Civil Rights Movement marked a turning point for the hippie culture. These movements made the culture darker, more threatening to the establishment, and politically incendiary. Drug use became a prominent feature of hippie life, which further antagonized the police, who were often referred to as "pigs."

It's often overlooked, but the police both hated and feared the hippies. This tension often led to violent confrontations. For instance, I remember seeing a photograph of a big-bottomed policeman peering out of an alley, looking for jaywalking students to harass. Additionally, there were reports of off-duty police officers visiting "Hippie Hill" at the University of Washington in the evenings to beat up the young people who frequented the area.

The Nature of Hippies and Their Anti-Establishment Stance

Hippies, by their very nature, were anti-establishment. The police, in turn, served the establishment, making them natural adversaries. Modern versions of hippies might be better described as left-wing activists who are not typically well-received by the police.

Personal Experiences

There were many cases where the police acted vindictively towards hippies. For example, I, an author who wore a beard and long hair at the time, encountered such hostility and ended up spending ten days in the hospital with a tube in my arm, my face so swollen that only my right eye was visible. This experience is a testament to the animosity between the two groups.

The relationship between hippies and the police was fueled by mistrust, misunderstanding, and political tensions. Both groups played significant roles in shaping the cultural and social landscape of the 1960s, and their interactions continue to be a fascinating part of history.