To be fair, it was a different time — a different era. So if anyone has something rather critical to say about the all-American ‘hippie,’ they’re entitled. But those critics out there may not grasp the full mentality that is the ‘hippie.’

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Here’s the traditional stereotype of a ‘hippie‘ — a stoner, high, lazy, sloth-like, slow, non-intelligent, homeless person. Right? Everyone has seen that type of person. Usually they’re wearing beads, necklaces, long bell-bottom pants, plain long-sleeve screen-printed shirt, and a pair of moccasins. Shades are typical, too. The idea behind the ‘hippie’ is that everything is ‘free’ — love, sex, friendship, food, music. Seriously, everything. They live on the edge, focus on the individual and not the elitist lifestyle. Typically, you’d find them living under bridges, in parks, in fields, and in alleys.

That’s far-fetched, in all honesty. While some of it might’ve been true way back in the ’60s, trust in this: you won’t find that stereotype anywhere anymore.

The fact is being a ‘hippie’ isn’t a class issue anymore. It’s a lifestyle issue. Back in the ’60s, hippies were known to be harbingers of peace and understanding. It fell in line with their belief that love is something that should be freely given. Likewise, understanding everyone was a necessity. They didn’t believe in war for any reason. All they ever wanted was peace.

That should tell you something about what it means to be a ‘hippie.’ It’s not about drugs, it’s not about string guitars and smelling the flowers. All you need is a strong belief in peace for the world. If you’re not the judgmental type, you might as well call yourself a modern-day hippie!