Thought Paper #3

     In the late 1880s, the Haight and Ashbury district was a place to live outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown San Francisco. It was almost like a little suburb of the city at the time. However, this district has changed dramatically over the years. It was the central location for hippies in the late 1950s and 1960s, and due to its popularity during these years; it was the prime spot for the “Summer of Love” in 1967. People came from all over the country that year in hopes of seeking out free love, drugs and rock and roll.

     The corner of Haight and Ashbury remains the most famous spot for tourists in district, because this is where the height of all the action took place. Most people are attracted to interesting and exciting places because they are simply fun to visit. Places with a lot of history behind them make them that much more intriguing. Thus, it should come to no surprise that corner of Haight and Ashbury is a historic, tourist location. The area is certainly still a fun, happening place to visit. There are plenty of funky shops and interesting restaurants to try out. Most of the businesses on Haight Street work hard to maintain the flower power and hippy vibe that it is known for.

     Counterculture would be an appropriate term to describe the mentality of many of the young people who lived in the Haight district, specifically in the 1960s. By definition, counterculture is the culture and lifestyle of those people, especially young, who reject or oppose the dominant values and behavior of society. This era was filled with young people who drummed to their own beat and set out to live as wild and free spirits in society.

     Due to the dominance that young, free-spirited hippies had over the area in past years, I feel as though the vibe given off by the surrounding signage is that of carefree peace and love. This correlates with the history of the district and the “free love, drugs and rock and roll” attitude. The signage definitely contributes to my understanding of what happened in this area. By looking down the street at the different shops, works of graffiti, and psychedelic colors; it is almost as if you can imagine yourself in another time era altogether. It’s almost as if you have been transported back to the 1960s. The sight of hippies, or even the risen Beatles probably wouldn’t startle too many people walking down this street. It’s a place where nothing is normal, everything is accepted, and history lives on.