"History repeats itself," as they say. Today's society has overcome so many cultural provisions that it comes as no shock that our generation who will repeat the time of the hippies. With equality vastly growing and legalization of marijuana making a hasty presence, we are the new hippies, the hipsters.
EDM is the new Rock.
The '60s introduced rock music into their festivals. Artists such as Hendrix, Beatles, and Crosby were performing at outside concerts and festivals in accordance with the counterculture during this time period. Rock was listened to anywhere and everywhere. Today, electric music has started to take over. EDM can be divided into many subgenres including Trap, Hardstyle, and House. Its loud and upbeat dance pulse puts its listeners into the right kind of mood for the atmosphere.
The Electric Daisy Carnival is the new Woodstock.
From the dazzling lights surrounding the stage to the loud and vibrant music being played, festivals are becoming more and more popular. Hundreds of dollars are spent on tickets, and hundreds more are spent on travel, hotels, and let's not forget those outfits. Woodstock was known as a three-day festival of peace and music. EDC, as well as Nocturnal or Beyond Wonderland, are three-day experiences of a whole other creative world. Woodstock promoted the counterculture of people coming together wanting the simplicities that life has to offer: happiness, peace, and equality, much like what is occurring today.
Gay Rights are the new Women's Rights.
During the '60s and '70s, women were still struggling with equality and being treated unfairly. Movements on feminism and sexual rights were gaining publicity, thus re-enforcing the society's dying wish for peace and respect. Not only has our generation passed this struggle and gained a new one, gay rights, but as of June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage has become legal in 18 countries!
Molly is the new LSD.
Also known by its street name, Acid, LSD was extremely popular during the '60s counterculture. Its availability to festival goers was increasing and created a psychedelic effect that nearly everyone wanted to try for their musical experiences. Today, the street name for MDMA is Molly. Often heard with "I can't seem to find Molly," ravers today will refer to this drug as their friend, using the female name. Along with a few other drugs, Molly is popularly used during EDM festivities.
Gloving is the new Frisbee Toss.
At festivals in the '60s, tossing a Frisbee back and forth among your peers was considered to be normal during the outdoor concerts. The biggest idea of these three-day getaways was to leave society and start doing something for your own entertainment. Today, during concerts, you may have seen those ravers who wear white gloves with lights held on the tips of them. They will wave their fingers in motions that coincide with the music, creating a light show for those around them.
Hipsters are the new Hippies.
Although our society has added in a few changes, the gist of what we are recreating is very apparent. From the high waisted shorts, crop tops, vibrantly colored socks, use of the marijuana leaf on merchandise, and flower headbands, the clothing choices between the '60s counterculture generation and ours are very similar. Kandi is often passed out between peers through out the festival, and to receive the bracelet, a known handshake is exchanged. With a mantra of PLUR, meaning peace, love, unity, and respect, each item that is exchanged is a symbol of togetherness.
So, the next time you find yourself with your rave family underneath the electric sky, be sure ask for a light show from a glover and continue to eat, sleep, rave, repeat.
