FROM BEATNIKS TO HIPPIES TO US: A BEATIFIC STUDY OF POPULAR CULTURE
FROM BEATNIKS TO HIPPIES TO US: A BEATIFIC STUDY OF POPULAR CULTURE

Summary/Abstract: Of the things we notice in popular culture nowadays, few have had such a lasting impact as the archetype of the misunderstood genius, the pursuit of happiness, peace and love, and everyday poetry. We see that in much of the civilized world ideals of individuality, spirituality and anti-establishment find a strong following, and we may feel inclined to ask ourselves what group is responsible for this rippling effect. This inquiry inevitably leads us to two major stages in the cultural and social development of the aforementioned demographic, namely the Beat Generation and the hippies. The present paper not only explores the particularities of the beatniks and the hippies and their respective backgrounds, but also analyses the transition from the Lost Generation to beatniks, hippies and, finally, contemporary society. The study falls under the category of Cultural Anthropology and utilises both approaches of Ethnohistory and Ethnology, as well as literature analysis, in hopes of augmenting our understanding of several crucial pillars of popular culture and the unique ways they continue to shape communities. Several conclusions are drawn, covering the relevance of the two movements as anti-war and anti-establishment vectors and the transition of their values into social and evironmental policies.

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