So, I've come across a couple of threads in the last few days that have references to "hippies," and I'm wondering what this word means for people around here.
The usage of the word seems to be mostly negative, and I guess it always has been (draft-dodging, long-haired, free-lovers, anyone?)... but hell, it's been 40 years since the word was used regularly, so I want to know if its meaning has evolved at all.
My impression from today's use is that it refers to someone basically living outside the mainstream (e.g. eating organic food, spending more time than usual outdoors, being spiritual, being polyamorous, etc)? That's the vibe I'm getting... which is kinda weird, since if we are going to use the word "hippy" derogatorily, I'd venture to guess that a shit-ton of TFP'ers fall under that category (no doubt including myself).
Which is fine and all, but is it really such a negative thing? Is that the only word we can come up with to label people who live outside the mainstream? Or am I just missing out on some neologisms that have evolved in the last 40 years to replace this word?
Just curious what y'all think, as usual.
