The Hippie movement originated in the United States in the 1960s and continues to this day. Hippies oppose Puritan values, traditionalist foundations of society, and wars; promote equality, non-violence, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie movement was popular in the USA, Europe, and even the USSR. Hippies resisted the cult of career, success, and consumption. They left their parents’ homes, united in communes, and travelled from one music festival to another. Hippies experimented with psychotropic substances and were interested in Eastern culture and philosophy. It was the hippies who contributed to the popularization of yoga, vegetarianism, veganism, astrology, Frisbee, and environmental activism.

Many in the hippie movement were visionaries and influenced the development of computer technology and the Internet. Young hippies assembled home computers in the garages of their parents’ homes in San Francisco – this is how many Silicon Valley giants such as Apple were born.

Music played a huge role in the life of hippies. Largely thanks to this movement, The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix gained worldwide popularity. These guys performed at one of the most famous music festivals, Woodstock, which attracted around  400 thousand people.

Hippie Style and Philosophy

Hippies conveyed their views on life through their appearance and lifestyle. They criticised the desire for material wealth and believed that happiness is a spiritual state.

The deliberate casualness of the clothes contrasted with the neatness of the 1950s style. Hippies wore colourful dresses, old T-shirts, sandals, unisex clothing, and a lot of handmade jewellery. Hippies were interested in the culture of the East, so many of them wore clothes and jewellery with Indian, Afghan, and Nepalese patterns. As a sign of protest, hippies grew their hair long, wore it loose or braided, and wore flower crowns. Men and women with long hair blurred traditional gender roles, which displeased conservatives.

The hippies themselves believed that they were “wonderful people” and “flower children.” This phrase refers to the Christian idea that every person is beautiful and good by nature because God created them with love. Interestingly, hippies were often quite religious. They appreciated sacred commandments that prohibited cruelty and violence. Flower children interpreted some of these commandments into slogans, for example: “Make love, not war.”

Hippies loved to travel; they sought quiet places where they could be alone with nature and distance themselves from the problems of the modern world like wars, the struggle for a place in society, and daily cruelty. Moving from place to place, the hippies  met new people who were invited to join their cheerful company. So, hippies travelled around the United States in large families.

Sometimes they hitchhiked, but more often than not, for traveling long distances, they chose an old minivan. This minibus became a real symbol of the hippie era. Volkswagens were painted in all the colours of the rainbow, with peace symbols, flowers, clouds, and words from The Beatles songs. Hippies literally lived in these large cars, as they abandoned apartments and mansions.

The young people arranged the minibuses well. They made small beds inside, carefully placed antique furniture, and, most importantly, found a place for a vinyl record player.

Where and how do hippies live today?

Since the 1980s, the popularity of the hippie movement gradually declined. Young people grew up, found jobs, and started families. They became part of the system they once opposed.

Today, there aren’t many people who identify as hippies. However, several communes have survived. For example, the eco-community “The Farm” has existed in the USA since 1971, with about 200 people regularly living there. It has a centre, a small publishing house, and hotels. In Europe, the most famous hippie commune is Christiania, a quarter in Copenhagen where about 850 people live, and various festivals are regularly held.

Despite the peak of hippie popularity being in the past, many of their ideas are gaining renewed attention. Trends such as environmental friendliness, veganism, eco- and agrotourism, co-working spaces, co-living spaces, renewable energy (which hippies popularized with solar panels in the 1970s), the love for nature, polyamory, and downshifting to Asia are resurfacing. In many ways, this represents an adaptation of classic hippie ideas to modern realities.

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But don’t try to watch these films one by one. Take breaks to avoid getting tired of music and movies. During your break, you can even take a nap or play at a casino with a 1 Euro deposit.

Sid and Nancy

• Great Britain, 1986.
• Biography, drama.
• Duration: 111 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.0.

A film based on real events. These are biographies of the main symbol of English punk culture, Sid Vicious, and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. This is a complex story of self-destruction with a tragic ending. Young Gary Oldman plays Sid.

The Doors

• USA, 1991.
• Biography, drama.
• Duration: 140 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.2.

The film tells the story of the legendary 60s band The Doors and its frontman Jim Morrison. He was played by Val Kilmer. However, not everyone liked the film. Former members of The Doors said the script only showed one side of Jim, showing him to be an out-of-control sociopath more than a talented and cheerful musician. But they also admitted that The Doors was “a good rock and roll movie.” And this is something that cannot be argued with.

Bohemian Rhapsody

• UK, USA, 2018.
• Drama.
• Duration: 134 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.9.

The most high-profile biopic of 2018 is the story of the frontman of the British band Queen. If you wish, you can find fault with the facts, timing inconsistencies and actor Rami Malek’s lack of Freddie Mercury enthusiasm, but the film turned out to be quite good. This is evidenced by audience ratings: on IMDb “Bohemian Rhapsody” received 8.1 points at the time of release. Rami Malek won an Oscar, a Golden Globe and several other prestigious film awards for his role in the film. The film follows Mercury’s life from the moment he met Brian May and Roger Taylor to the Live Aid concert. This is a story about the formation of Queen, the first concerts and recordings, about mercantile producers, serious illness, the search for love, loneliness and friendship.

Elvis

• USA, Australia, 2022.
• Drama.
• Duration: 159 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.3.

This movie is about the great Elvis Presley. The king of rock and roll was played by the little-known but very charismatic Austin Butler. Most of the story is told from the perspective of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. Already a very old man, while in the hospital, he recalls how he met a very young singer who had just begun to be played on the radio.

Ray

• USA, 2004.
• Biography, drama.
• Duration: 152 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.7.

A film about Ray Charles, one of the greatest jazz singers and pianists. The film tells the story of his development: from childhood and progressive blindness to the peak of his musical career and wide recognition. “Ray” began filming even before the musician’s death, and Charles even saw a preliminary version of the film. The film received two Oscars. To get into the role of the character, Jamie Foxx even learned Braille. They also applied makeup to the actor’s face, which made him blind for the entire shooting day.

Walk The Line

• USA, Germany, 2005.
• Biography, drama.
• Duration: 136 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.8.

If you decide to learn more about American country songs, start with. “Walk the Line”. This is a biographical drama that portrays the life of the iconic musician Johnny Cash. Just be sure to prepare yourself and listen to Johnny Cash’s music before watching; otherwise, the experience will be incomplete.

24 Hour Party People

• Great Britain, 2002.
• Biography, comedy, drama.
• Duration: 117 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.3.

The events of 24 Hour Party People revolve around the musical life of Manchester in 1976–1992 and the person of Tony Wilson in particular. Tony Wilson is a journalist, promoter, and founder of the Factory Records label, which recorded Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, and other Manchester wave bands. Factory Records has become an unspoken symbol of the independent music industry, and “24-Hour Party People” tells an interesting and humorous story about how it happened.

Control

• UK, Australia, Japan, 2007.
• Biography, drama.
• Duration: 122 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.6.

Control follows the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of the iconic Manchester post-punk band Joy Division. In the film, Curtis is torn between two love relationships, suffers from epileptic seizures, and performs. He performs like no one else – with his strange, almost insane movements and glassy eyes. The film is black and white but Joy Division fans love it.

Love & Mercy

USA, 2014.

Biography, drama.

Duration: 121 minutes.

IMDb: 7.4.

The story of Brian Wilson, founder and songwriter of The Beach Boys. If you weren’t into the work of this group, be sure to listen. The film tells about the peak of the band’s fame, Wilson’s mental illness progressing around the same time, and Melinda Ledbetter, the musician’s lover, who helps him cope with all this.

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Surfing originated in ancient Polynesia but gained popularity in the 20th century. Surf culture in the United States has played a significant role in shaping American society. In the 1950s and 1960s, surfing gained popularity along the coast of Southern California, particularly in places like Malibu, Huntington Beach, and San Diego. This culture was popularized through movies like “Gidget” and “Endless Summer.”

Besides California and Hawaii, other regions in the US have become renowned surfing destinations. The North Shore of Oahu is considered a Mecca for professional surfers and hosts prestigious competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Surfing communities have formed along the US coastline, creating a sense of camaraderie among surfers. Local surf spots often have their own unique culture and subcultures, with surfers sharing waves, stories, and a passion for the sport.

«Chilled out» approach to life

Surf culture is characterized by a deep connection to the ocean and a love for riding waves. Surfers often embrace a laid-back and carefree attitude, valuing freedom, spontaneity, and a close relationship with nature. They seek to harmonize with the ocean’s rhythms and respect its power.

Surfers embrace a slower pace of life, prioritizing time in the water and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast. This relaxed attitude extends beyond the waves and influences how surfers approach everyday life. For example, surfers often live near the coast and embrace the beach culture, spending time relaxing on the sand, playing beach volleyball, enjoying picnics, or simply soaking up the sun.

While the surf culture emphasizes a laid-back lifestyle, competition is also a significant aspect. Surfers strive to improve their skills and may participate in local or professional competitions. Achieving personal goals, mastering new manoeuvres, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in surfing are important aspects of the culture.

Fashion and style

The US is home to numerous surf brands that have shaped surf culture and fashion worldwide. Companies like Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, and O’Neill originated in the US and have played a significant role in popularizing surfwear and equipment.

Fashion plays a significant role in surf culture, with surfers often sporting casual and comfortable attire such as board shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. The iconic image of a surfer with a board under their arm has become synonymous with the lifestyle.

Hats and caps are essential accessories for surfers to protect themselves from the sun while spending long hours at the beach. Trucker hats, snapback caps, and wide-brimmed hats are commonly seen in surf culture fashion. Surf culture fashion often includes sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare from the water and provide eye protection. Popular styles include aviators, wayfarers, and sporty wraparound frames.

Art and music

Artistic expression is another aspect of surf culture. Surf art often features vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and a sense of movement. Paintings and photographs capture the beauty and power of waves, showcasing the thrill and adrenaline rush experienced by surfers. Artists also depict surfers in action, capturing their graceful movements and the connection between surfer and wave.

American music has not escaped this social phenomenon. The US has been instrumental in shaping surf music, a genre associated with surf culture. Bands like The Beach Boys, Dick Dale, and Jan and Dean gained popularity in the 1960s with their catchy tunes that captured the spirit of surfing and beach life.

Surf films and documentaries have also contributed to the art of surf culture. Filmmakers like Bruce Brown (The Endless Summer) and Stacy Peralta (Riding Giants) have captured the spirit of surfing through their visually stunning films, showcasing the beauty of waves and the dedication of surfers.

The surfboard itself is also a canvas for artistic expression. Many surfboard shapers and designers incorporate unique artwork into their boards, creating functional pieces of art. These boards often feature intricate designs, bold graphics, or even hand-painted illustrations that reflect the surfer’s personality or evoke a particular mood.

Environmental activism

In recent years, surf culture and art have also become intertwined with environmental activism. Surfers, who have a deep connection with the ocean and its ecosystems, have used their artistic platforms to raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for conservation. Many surfers actively participate in beach clean-ups and environmental initiatives to preserve these precious resources. Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation work to preserve beaches and promote sustainable practices. 

Surfing events and competitions have also embraced environmental activism. Many surf contests now incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and promoting beach clean-ups. Artists often participate in these events, creating live art installations or showcasing their environmentally-themed artwork.

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The golden youth subculture is often associated with extravagant parties that take part in exclusive venues. The golden youth would spare no expense in creating a memorable experience for their guests. These events would serve as a platform for the elite to come together, celebrate their success, and revel in the finer things in life.

Parties in private estates

Private estates chosen as party venues are often opulent and grand, with beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and lavish interiors. The setting itself creates an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity. Gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs is a highlight of these parties. Attendees can expect a wide range of delectable dishes and impeccable service, creating a memorable dining experience. Premium spirits, champagne, and speciality cocktails are served at the bars, ensuring attendees can indulge in the finest beverages.

Private estate parties may feature live entertainment such as live bands, DJs, or even famous performers. Music and dancing are integral parts of the evening, enhancing the lively and celebratory atmosphere. The guest list is carefully curated to ensure a sophisticated and affluent crowd.

Private estates often boast additional amenities such as swimming pools, spas, or even private cinemas. These amenities provide opportunities for relaxation and entertainment throughout the event.

Entertainment in clubs

In that case, guests are usually placed in VIP lounges or sections. These areas provide an elevated experience and make attendees feel special and valued. Attendees can also expect personalized services such as bottle service, or dedicated staff to cater to their needs. This adds to the overall experience and makes guests feel pampered. Here one can find some unusual cuisine and specialty drinks that are visually appealing and Instagrammable.

Fashion magazines or online platforms may feature the Golden Youth Party in their editorial content, increasing visibility and reaching a wider audience of fashion-conscious individuals. Besides interactive elements like photo booths or Instagram-worthy backdrops that align with current fashion trends would be present in such clubs as well. This encourages guests to capture and share their experiences on social media, attracting more attention to the event.

Parties in casinos

Online casinos with free spins are becoming increasingly popular among the golden youth, who seek the thrill of gambling without the high costs. These platforms offer an opulent digital ambience, capturing the grandeur of physical casinos with features like brilliant graphics, immersive soundtracks, and interactive gameplay. Within these online platforms, players can access a myriad of games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. 

While online casinos with free spins cater to those who appreciate the luxury of gambling from the comfort of their homes, there are still physical casinos that host grand parties. These venues team up with fashion-forward celebrities and influencers to enhance the appeal of their events. Exclusive promotions, such as complimentary hotel stays, spa treatments, or VIP access to other casino events, are often part of the package, making attendees feel even more special.

However, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone can access these platforms or venues. The legal age for gambling varies across the US, with states setting the bar at either 18 or 21. 

On the whole, whether it’s the luxurious events of the golden youth or the digital allure of online casinos with free spins, the aim is to provide an opulent entertainment experience. But it’s essential to recognize that not every member of the golden youth community gravitates towards such extravagance. Some prefer to channel their resources towards championing causes like justice, equality, or assisting vulnerable groups.

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Speaking of subcultures, most often young people are meant. This is due to the psychology of human development. A teenager, as he grows up and separates from his family, feels the need to fill the emerging void. He wants to be part of something common, while opposing the bulk of the “misunderstood”. Passing the time of rebellion, the young man looks for “tribesmen” who are ready to support him in a difficult moment.

Starting its path from a particular cut of the jacket and passing through a rigid installation of appearance, worldview, musical preferences, subcultures have become a special lifestyle, with its own rules, ideology and philosophy. Where did the history of subcultures in the United States begin?

The first kinds of subcultures were “black”. They grew out of an acute problem between blacks and whites in America. And it all began as a quiet challenge to the established standards of society.

The emergence of subcultural movements in the United States: The 1940s and 1950s.

“Zooties” – the silent street revolution
The desire to attract attention was realized in a rather unusual way for that time – by wearing a provocative suit called the Zoot Suit. It consisted of narrow pants and an elongated striped jacket. It was quite difficult to buy such a suit, especially for the oppressed African-Americans: it was sewn to order at an obscenely high price. The owners of such an outfit became known as “Zooties.

The significance of this subculture was great. The costume became a kind of symbol of ethnic pride and rebellion against white society. It was the Zutiz who later formed the first organized black street gangs.

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When everyone had become accustomed to the fact that the new movements were the work of whites, the blacks of New York’s ghettos reminded us of themselves. Hip-hop as a movement emerged on the streets of the Bronx among African-American youth from working-class families. The main thing becomes a confrontation against the authorities, the police, and injustice.

Hip-hop as a subculture includes several types of trends:

• musical: rap, hip-hop (hip – moving parts of the body; hop – movement);
• dance: break dance;
• Visual: graffiti.

The members of this counterculture were called B-boys (b from the word “beat” – beat, rhythm) and flygirls. The distinctive features of the style were caps, bandanas, baggy clothes, simple T-shirts, sports shoes and a lot of massive jewelry: chains, rings and bracelets.

The Sugarhill Gang introduced ghetto music to a wider U.S. audience in 1979 with their single Rapper’s Delight. This was followed by Run DMC, Mantronix, Beastie Boys, MC Hammer, Kris Kross and others.

Hip-hop began to divide itself into different streams and still holds the lion’s share of the music market.

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This movement absorbed elements of many other subcultures in the U.S.: the simplicity of clothing and moneyless beatniks, hairstyles “Swinging London,” pugnacious jeans and heavy boots punks. After My bloody Valentine, The Smiths and Joy Division flooded the American music market, the youth in the US picked up the new trend, twisting it in their own way.

This is how the grunge subculture was born in Seattle. The musical sound was quite unusual: a mixture of American rock and English punk; the lyrics were gloomy, apathetic and lonely.

The bands Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam became popular. Soon grunge happened to the same story as with punk – the subculture becomes mainstream and loses its relevance among the revolutionary youth. After the introduction to mass culture, the global popularity of grunge grows, but loses its true adherents.

The history of the following American subculture is quite unusual. Its origins go back to the 80s of the last century, but it gained its popularity only in the noughties. We are talking, of course, about emo (from emotional).

The abundance of violence and hardcore punk gave rise to a musical counterpart: lyrical, romantic, sometimes tearful themes of songs put to rock music. But this kind of emotional scene did not last long.

The unusual for the underground music theme was recalled only in the late 90s with the arrival of such artists as My Chemical Romance, Jimmy Eat World and others. The peak of the popularity of emo music came in the 2000s. Since that time, we can talk about the emerged emo subculture.

Adherents of this flow are called emo-boy, emo-girl or emo-kids (kids). Emo romanticize depression, melancholy, death, love suffering. In a crowd of participants of this subculture can be distinguished by their special style: tight jeans and colorful tight shirts, black oblique bangs, badges, shoulder bags, colorful locks of hair, piercings, etc. Some representatives can be found to this day.

No matter what kind of music or subculture you prefer to listen to, American Butler can organize a memorable holiday: visiting rock concerts, grunge festivals, hip-hop battles and many others.

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The current was originally formed from young people who had returned home after the war. But this house turned out not to be at all friendly to its heroes. People who had taken an active part in military operations, accustomed to a constant adrenaline rush, wanted to be uniformly dressed, put in standard American Dream houses, arranged for monotonous low-paying jobs, such as cashier in a store… Of course, this provoked a protest.

The ex-soldiers found their adrenaline in motorcycle races and anti-social movements. The subculture also became very popular because of its rough, masculine and untidy style of dress. Bikers, in their heavy army boots and black leather jackets, stood out against the majority who wanted to look better, more sophisticated.

A phrase from the movie “Hell’s Angels on Wheels” perfectly symbolizes the current: “Better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven.” It contains all the opposition of bikers to the norms and morals of the rest of society.

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“Hipsters” defined “their own” by their special speech, their own jargon – “jive”. In those years, there was even a “Hipster’s Dictionary”, which helped to master the language of hip-cats.

A hipster could be anyone who put himself against the fuzzy “them”. Against the system, against society, against the normal way of life. The movement had its own sophisticated and improvisational music – b-bop. The hipster could also be distinguished by his special style of dress: black sweaters with a high collar, black glasses, scarves, berets.

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The beatnik movement has its origins in “black culture”: music, passion, protest. Beatniks aspired to freedom of expression, travel, renewed the literary tradition of describing their own lives, and were distinguished by their affinity for psychotropic substances. Literary centrism added such names as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs to the world’s classics.

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