Describe the social structure and lifestyles of the 1960s Counterculture. How did the Vietnam War influence the Counterculture? Do you think there is a counterculture today? Explain your answer.
Let's first define counterculture.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/counterculture
As you can see, it's a culture that rejects or opposes the dominant culture and behavior of society.
This site describes the 1960s counterculture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterculture_of_the_1960s
Although we always have remnants of a counterculture, especially among teens and 20s, in my opinion is only obvious in small ways today. In part this is due to the diverse mores and behaviors of the "dominant culture" now.
What do you think?
The Counterculture of the 1960s refers to a subculture that emerged in the United States and other Western countries during the 1960s. It was characterized by a rejection of mainstream societal norms, values, and institutions, and instead, promoted ideals such as peace, love, sexual freedom, and environmental consciousness. The counterculture was largely made up of young people who were disillusioned with traditional authority, consumerism, and the Vietnam War.
The social structure of the counterculture was primarily decentralized and non-hierarchical. Communes, where groups of like-minded individuals lived together and shared resources, became popular alternatives to traditional family structures. Many counterculture members embraced alternative lifestyles, experimenting with communal living, free love, drugs like marijuana and LSD, and adopting unconventional fashion choices.
The Vietnam War played a significant role in shaping and influencing the counterculture movement. Opposition to the war became a central rallying point for many counterculture members, who saw it as a symbol of government corruption, imperialism, and a violation of human rights. Anti-war protests, sit-ins, and draft dodging were common forms of resistance carried out by counterculture activists. The war contributed to a sense of alienation from mainstream society and intensified the counterculture's desire for social change.
Regarding the existence of a counterculture today, it is important to note that countercultures are dynamic and constantly evolving, responding to changing social, political, and cultural contexts. While the specific characteristics of the 1960s counterculture may not be as prevalent today, it can be argued that counterculture continues to exist in various forms.
In contemporary society, there are numerous subcultures and social movements that reject dominant norms and values, and instead promote alternative ideologies and lifestyles. These include various grassroots activist groups, environmental sustainability movements, LGBTQ+ communities, and online communities built around shared interests or progressive causes. While these may not always take the form of a cohesive counterculture, they represent a resistance to mainstream society and a desire for social change, similar to the counterculture of the 1960s.
In conclusion, the counterculture of the 1960s was characterized by a rejection of mainstream values, communal living, and opposition to the Vietnam War. While the specific counterculture of that era has evolved, there are still countercultural elements in contemporary society that challenge societal norms and advocate for social change.