Forever Hippie

The hippies of the 1960’s were young and stupid enough to think they had a voice; and through their haze of stupidity (and other substances), they actually did. Their voice was heard. Collectively, they were able to make a huge impact on the trajectory of our country - socially and politically.

I think we, our generation, can learn a lot from these brazen beatniks. Namely, that we have a voice too. We need to make sure that we do not let the apathy of age set in and silence us.

Speaking with my brother, just one year younger than me, about the Trayvon Martin tragedy, I was fearful that he had already given up - his attitude being ‘it’s always been this way and nothing’s ever going to change.’ In my opinion, this far-too prevalent mindset is the absolute, number-one threat to our country.

Think of it, our founding forefathers were escaping the tyranny of the powerful - the abuses of power - when they came to this land. Each generation since has worked and fought tirelessly to progress in the principles of freedom, equality and opportunity. If we now allow all that they have accomplished in building this wonderful country, one that every other progressive country in the world has strived to emulate, to be eroded by putting our blinders on to the unjust, what’s to stop us from becoming exactly like the kind of fearful societies we came from - controlled and even persecuted by the powerful?

We have to find our voice. My brother said, “I’m just being honest.” Let’s let our voices be fueled with honesty, not stifled by it.

I was greatly discouraged by the justice system at the end of the Casey Anthony trial. (I even posted a link to Chicago’s “Razzle Dazzle” on my Facebook page.) Because of this, my husband warned me not to get too emotionally invested in the Trayvon Martin shooting, for fear it would turn out the same way, he as angry as I. But I CAN NOT give up on the idea of justice. As an American, I AM invested. We all are. We owe it to those who invested their very lives, fighting for justice and freedom, to protect these core values.

No matter how naive some may feel it is, I believe that we can maintain faith in justice. I believe that we have to. The moment that we are jaded enough to believe that justice is dream, is when it becomes just that.

For the next generation who will inherit the America mine leaves behind, for my children, for yours, I will not look the other way. I will have a voice. Please find yours too. Be a Forever Hippie with me.

I salute the men, women and children who are currently rallying for justice in Sanford, Florida (my hometown) and elsewhere: online, in the streets, in your communities. Your voices are heard.