This is a clip from a 1971 TV special when “dropouts” from ordinary society and ordinary jobs fascinated the public. As a cameraman on this project, I was intrigued, although I would never have done what he describes doing towards the end of this clip. Especially leaving his family. Just not worth it to me. But he said he had no choice, and not being in his body, I accept that he made the right decision for himself. People who did things like this were sometimes called hippies and sometimes, they were part of the hippie movement but other times, they were not. They just "dropped out".
What do you think?

The "1960s dropouts" refers to a portion of the counterculture of the 1960s who chose to opt-out or "drop out" of the established societal norms and expectations. This was a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural upheaval in the United States and around the world, with movements for civil rights, against the Vietnam War, for women's rights, and more shaping the era. The dropouts were closely associated with the counterculture movement that sought to challenge and redefine values regarding personal freedom, expression and consciousness.

Many 1960s dropouts were disillusioned with the consumerist values and materialism they saw in society. They criticized the "rat race" of corporate life and sought to live in ways that rejected material wealth as a measure of success.

Influenced by the escalating Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race, many also promoted peace and non-violent resistance. This philosophy was deeply influenced by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

A growing awareness of environmental issues led many to advocate for conservation efforts, organic farming, and sustainable living practices - the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

Rejecting traditional family and societal structures, some chose to live in communes or collectives where resources were shared and decisions were made democratically. These communities often focused on self-sufficiency, shared labor and collective living.

Influenced by figures like Timothy Leary, who famously advised to "Turn on, tune in, drop out," many sought spiritual enlightenment and a greater understanding of consciousness through the use of psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms.

This era saw a flourishing of artistic and musical expression, with movements like the Beat Generation earlier in the decade influencing the hippies and others. Music festivals like Woodstock and artists like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin were emblematic of this freedom.

The 1960s also witnessed a reevaluation of sexual morals and gender roles, with greater advocacy for women's rights, the beginning of the gay rights movement, and more open attitudes towards sexuality.

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