Meaning Of Freedom In America During The 1960's

The counterculture and the various rights revolutions expanded the meaning of freedom in America during the 1960’s by focusing not just on political and economic freedom but on cultural freedom as well. This becomes apparent with the emergence of the New Left who rejected, “respectable norms in clothing, language, sexual behavior, and drug use,” (Foner, 991). Many also experimented with different faiths including Buddhism, Hinduism, and even religious cults. The counterculture also put emphasis on the community. Communes and music festivals, such as Woodstock, were happening nationwide. This allowed the younger generation to, “Celebrate their alternative lifestyle and independence from adult authority,” (Foner, 992). The women’s rights revolution also had a big impact in expanding the meaning of freedom. …show more content…
These laws prohibited sex discrimination among holders of the same jobs, as well as prohibiting inequalities based on race. Not stopping there women activists continued to seek freedom for abortions, sexuality, family life, and many more things. Gay liberation movements also were a huge part of expanding the meaning of freedom. The Mattachine society, one of the first gay rights organization, helped to draw attention for the need for freedom of sexual orientation. Other -organized movements such as Latino Activism, Red Power, and Environmentalism also helped to expand the meaning of freedom culturally. Based on all of these movements and the way that the New Left was choosing to live their life, I do believe that America became a more open, tolerant, and