LSD
The end of World War II brought a quiet peace across America. People were settling down and starting their own families. Traditional moral values of the past were being re-enforced in the minds of the young. The baby boom was at hand, and this new, highly populated generation of youth was supposed to take these values a step further. The only problem was the baby-boom generation didn't want to be like their parents. This mind-set had been forced upon them and now they began to question authority. They were prepared and determined to think for themselves. Turbulence was increasing and conflict was inevitable. The only thing missing was someone or something to unite this generation and guide them towards a future of their own. Martin Lee and Bruce Shlain's book Acid Dreams tells how drugs became this missing link that would change the country. The explosion of LSD and other psychedelic drugs in the 1960's triggered a powerful nationwide counterculture movement that was gone before it came.The emergence of acid and other drugs gave already radical people even more radical ideas. As the popularity and availability of drugs grew at a rapid pace, the hippie generation of the 1960's multiplied. Everyone
The failing Vietnam War and other disturbing acts of violence, cruelty, and hate only gave people more inspiration to change something. Activist groups popped up everywhere, defending animals, fighting for racial equality, and protesting the war. Soon social gatherings involving speakers, musicians, and lots of dope were commonplace. Psychedelic drugs managed to unite and, simultaneously inspire a whole generation. Those inspired would continue to try and inspire others, including Jim Morrison and the Doors: And you can be free, too. All you have to do is...do it. We're waiting for you, and we very much "hope someday you'll join us." And then we can begin the changing of the guard. The changing of the power structure. The dismantling of the military-government-industrial complex. We can begin the creation of the New Time...and the New Man. And the New Garden. (Manzarek 124) This unique community was immediately deemed obscene and out of control by their elders. They were thought of as outcasts whose minds had been corrupted by some evil force. Psychedelic drugs definitely did something to people's minds, as both groups were well aware, the argument was whether this was a good or a bad thing. Physical differences made peace harder to attain. Hippies wore far-out colorful clothes and were draped in flowers and beads, while the conservative citizens stuck with suits and skirts. They were loud and bo
Some common words found in the essay are:
Garden Manzarek, Acid Dreams, America People, Vietnam War, Jim Morrison, Morrison Doors, LSD Lee, Light Fire, War II, Establishment Manzarek, psychedelic drugs, jim morrison, generation 1960's,
Approximate Word count = 960
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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