In my opinion, hippies get a bad rep these days. Why bash a group of people that have dedicated themselves, and their lives into creating peace, love, and happiness. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to break free from the chains that society has imposed onto you, and living life to the fullest-how you want to live it. That is the hippie way of life, and it all originated from a group of visionaries in San Fransisco during the 1960s, the first of the many to take part in the Hippie Movement, and escape from the "square" way of life that we are all way too familiar with.

The 'hippies" that we know of today-those with long flowing hair, loose articles of clothing, and flower power-originated after various national and international struggles that took place in the 1950's, such as the Korean War, and Civil Rights Movement-when a group of like-minded individuals decided it was time for a change in society. These individuals believed that there was more to life than the conventional social and political systems that had been in place for years, and sought to create their own social system-one that inverted traditional values. You see, the last aspect of life that these visionaries were concerned with was economic and social status, instead hippies dove into a world of drugs, mostly psychedelics such as LSD, and embraced nature and their existence on this planet without a care in their minds. There was a clear vision of people "grooving" together, and any barriers such as prejudice, property, and preconceptions that impacted morality, were sought to be removed.

The Hippie movement was a crucial part in our history, as from said hippies we learned to set aside pain and struggle, and instead come together as one being of the world-embracing each other and everything around ourselves. Fast-forward to 2018, life is anything but peaceful and happy. With Trump separating families at the border, school shootings occurring at a rate of one a week, and lord knows what North Korea 'really' has in mind for the world, I see nothing but fear and disappointment at every corner. I want to propose an idea-why not bring back the Hippie Movement-or at least a smaller, less drugged up version of one. How great would it be, to just for a short amount of time, be able to open your eyes in the morning, and be confident that all will be okay in the world.

To interact with individuals who want and strive for nothing other than peace, and love.

To forget the deadlines, and schedules, and instead let the universe lead you towards something greater.

To once again remember what its like to feel the grass between your toes, or the warmth of the sun, as you take a break from your square existence.

I was never the one to like conforming to the norms of society, deep down knowing there was more to life than going to class, and earning money. After doing research on the Hippie Movement I've realized I was born in the wrong decade. What I wouldn't give to have been part of the 60's, to have been at Woodstock to see Janis Joplin & Santana, to have left my life behind to travel and rally against war. To take life one day at a time, instead of stressing about what 'could be' in ten years.

I want to once again bring to light the phrase "make love, not war", and actually mean it.

Put your flowers up for a 21st century Hippie Movement.