Why The Hatin’ on “Hippies”? Let’s Take A Closer Look At The Socially Oppressive Implications of This Word

The time has come when your 60-year-old “Uncle Fred” is no longer the only one at the family reunion wearing that same tie-dye t-shirt with mustard stains on it; millennials are now also bringing these multi-coloured swirl patterns to the party.

Have you noticed the waves of tie-dye taking over the fast-fashion clothing stores this past summer? Or could you have been distracted by a Snap Chat of a friendly face, with a super-imposed flower crowned filter, as you drank your Starbucks Unicorn Latte…

All (loving) jokes aside, it seems as though companies were/are successfully catching onto the global shifts taking place right now. Historically in times of war, we have seen counter culture movements of art and social activism emerge to counter-balance the status quo.

It would make sense to me that the world is ready to invite those tie-dye vibes into the “collective wardrobe” again!

Tie-dye making its way back in the media almost felt like an inevitable response: the collective physical manifestation for the need to be bold — to show face and colour in a politically darker world. Or could this “freak flag fabric” be seen as a cultural symbol — a global patriotic-like social stance for peace?

Fashion trends in the subconscious are interesting to explore. These revolving trends (though Uncle Fred proves that some fashions are timeless) almost feel as if they are a subtle social unconscious language.

Through clothing and costumery, one can explore degrees of personal (and collective) patterns of identity, in a culturally suppressive society.

This past summer was the summer of my dreams… I was so fortunate to have attended four music festivals in the Toronto area and four separate camping trips with pals.

Seeing everyone from all walks of life gather as a tribe for the sole (soul?) purpose of enthusiastically connecting, celebrating art, nature and synergistic possibility was absolutely life-changing and indescribable.

One thing I noticed at these “music/conscious hippy festivals” was that not everyone seemed like that “stereotypical hippy” we all seem to know and love, and so willingly make fun of, as a culture. There was a sense of unique fullness, AND united inclusivity.

The need to find a tribe and connect with others is present in our subconscious minds and ancestral upbringing. There’s a reason why we humans go to check our Facebook pages almost every day.

There were CEOs, founders, scientists, artists, engineers, world travellers, dancers, teachers, acrobats, and all kinds of humans there. Everyone seemed to be a mega leader in their own unique way, with disciplines and healthy holistic practices under their belt.

Seeing everyone amplify their wardrobes, unleash their inner super-hero characters, and sparkle-paint their faces (to reflect their inherent bedazzled goddess/warrior energy) inspired me deeply.


After meeting all the epic hippy-like human beings attending these festivals, it made me question why we have attached such negative stigmatic weight to this word, and how we could continue to let this trend.


Do lazy, non-productive, non-useful-to-society social stereotypes come to mind?

These terms would not in any way be fitting to anyone I met this summer…

Why have we allowed a type of social bullying to surround those who have hobbies or conscious practices that may fit into the category of “hippy”?

I think a part of this scrutiny comes from the Baby Boomer generation. Even though they were the “OG hippies” that some of us may have romanticized as we watched footage from Woodstock and other events surrounding that era, it seemed as if they abandoned some of the values from that time period to adjust to a world geared more closely toward capitalism and individual gain.

I laugh inside at the response of some of the friends of my parents, when I tell them that I have a yoga practice and that I sometimes take naps after I teach my morning online English classes.

It’s as if any whiff of life balance, intentional lifestyle design, or personal productive enjoyment is anything other than “useful.”

It’s time for a reality check, buds.

Too many of us who are living conscious, joyful lives are afraid to be deemed as a hippy, for fear of judgment. It’s as if being a hippy automatically dismisses you from being a hardworking, disciplined, and socially responsible human.

What does this word even really mean? And are we limiting ourselves if we follow along without challenging this ignorant social narrative?

I identify as a modern day hippy.

As I wrote in another article, “Why I am Not Vegan,” I explain why I am not interested in being associated with exclusive labels, social “isms,” or constraining categories; however, I want to take back the word hippy for what it is — a compliment! It’s not a religion, but a movement of love.

Since when did peace, love, happiness, learning, enthusiasm for music, art, nature, colour, social connection, innovation, positive changes, and life become a such a bad thing?

I want to take back the word “hippy” and own it, so I may continue to create a dialogue that encourages leadership, peace, and artistry.

“Hippies” don’t have any dogmatic boxes or moulds to fit into; no one has to prescribe to a set of activities, lifestyle, or wardrobe design to be involved in the conscious peace movement taking place on Earth right now.

Are we unconsciously dimming our light and love, in fear of being labelled as a hippy?

Alanna Ketler (CE writer) inspired me with her comment on my video. She shares her experience of feeling the need to dress more “plain jane” (although secretly wanting to wear expressively coloured clothing) so that she may be taken more seriously.

This is a thing! I can absolutely relate to the essence of what Alanna is describing here!

I, too, am inspired to learn and share information about the spiritual scientific nature of our world. Sometimes our language can be so limiting when talking about the energetic, electromagnetic, holographic, meta-physical properties of our world, without it coming across as “floof.” (Haha!)

We have a language for math and visuals, but we haven’t quite created the said terminology to express the unseen vibrational quantum mechanistic structure of our world.

I am interested in living in a world where we can hang our “dress to impress” superficial judgments at the door. Let’s get real with each other! Life isn’t a scripted performance with only a few chosen character roles given. We get to to choose the style that represents our own unique stage of badass characters.


May we continue to be bold and brave, as we illuminate, in whatever form that may take.

May we continue to collectively create linguistic platforms for cultural inclusivity and transformation.

May we uniquely express the freedom and abundance of our gifts and service.

If this word fuels you to feel like you are a part of a tribal movement of love, I invite you to use it, redefine it, and align it to meet you at your full spectrum of expression and great purpose.

It really isn’t the word itself that matters, or whether you decide to “rock it” or not; it’s about deciding to be unapologetically fully expressed in your own skin — empowered, and unified, with the intent for peace and love on the planet.

– your friend,
Jill Stella