What is a Hippie Called Today? The Modern Face of Peace & Love

28 Mar 2024

Hippie house in a magical forest on Craiyon

Remember tie-dye, peace signs, and flower power? The hippie counterculture of the '60s might seem like a distant memory, but its spirit lives on in the values and lifestyles of many today. But what do you call a modern-day hippie? It's not about finding a single label, but rather understanding how the core values of the hippie movement have evolved and are expressed in the 21st century.

The hippies of the 1960s were rebels, challenging societal norms and advocating for peace, love, and environmentalism. They were easily identifiable by their clothing, music, and open embrace of alternative lifestyles. Today, the outward signs might be less obvious, but the underlying principles resonate in various subcultures and individual choices.

While the term "hippie" itself might seem outdated, the spirit of that era finds expression in modern movements. From sustainable living and environmental activism to advocating for social justice and promoting peace, the echoes of the hippie movement are undeniable.

Instead of searching for a single term, it's more accurate to recognize the diverse ways hippie ideals have influenced contemporary culture. Think about it: the rise of veganism, the popularity of yoga and meditation, the emphasis on conscious consumerism - these trends all reflect a desire for a more peaceful, sustainable, and just world, values directly inherited from the hippie counterculture.

Today, you might find the spirit of the hippie alive and well in a young entrepreneur promoting ethical fashion, a community organizer fighting for social justice, or a family dedicated to living a zero-waste lifestyle. The labels might have changed, but the underlying values of peace, love, environmentalism, and social justice continue to inspire and mobilize people around the world.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Embracing Hippie Ideals Today

Advantages	Disadvantages
Promoting sustainability and environmental awareness	Potential for romanticizing the past and overlooking the complexities of the hippie movement
Advocating for peace and social justice	Sometimes facing criticism for being idealistic or unrealistic
Encouraging individual expression and alternative lifestyles	Risk of cultural appropriation and misinterpreting the original intentions of the movement

Common Questions About the Legacy of the Hippie Movement

1. Are there still communes today? Yes, intentional communities and ecovillages exist worldwide, emphasizing shared living and sustainable practices.

2. How did the hippie movement impact music? The hippie era gave birth to iconic music festivals and genres like psychedelic rock, influencing music for decades to come.

3. What happened to the hippie movement? The movement's intensity faded in the 1970s, but its values continue to inspire various social and environmental movements.

Ultimately, understanding what a hippie is called today isn't about finding a perfect word. It's about recognizing the enduring impact of the hippie movement and how its values continue to inspire people from all walks of life to strive for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.