I'm currently processing the decision that came from a few who believed the world was coming to an end-- that a revolution was near. It was 1968 (we've all seen the wild footage from the Democratic National Convention that year) and the phrase "Free Land, Free People" struck a chord with the hardwiring of people in California. So what did these believers in choice, freedom, the American way (these were no doubt able-bodied and mindful folks) do to further their ideals of counter-culturism?
They did as Jonathan Berman illustrates in the 2006 documentary "Commune".
But as the director points out himself: "Peace and love are only half the story." It's even more powerful than, "a powerful cinematic story of one attempt amongst countless others to
create a separate society based on sharing rather than hoarding,
voluntary poverty rather than involuntary servitude, developing
relationships through love and empathy rather than envy and competition."
These testimonies provide me with insight into the long tradition of young Americans who don't just leave home--they strike against the American culture that they know. It's not out of this world to hear an interview of an elderly talking about how when she was younger she thought she could change the world. This theme was echoed by the many interviewed in "Riding the Rails," an examination of young people in the thirties who packed up and took to the railroad tracks for a variety of reasons. Most left because of familial dire straits. But some were from wealthy families. They left notes on their beds and went on down the trail in search of adventure.
One interview was especially memorable. A young woman, 18 or so, had been milking the cows all her life and she believed that if she was going to work like a man, what was stopping her from talking like one. So when she was sprayed in the eye with the milk of the utter, she dropped a few inflammatory, "feel good", remarks.
Her father's reaction was indicative of the time period. He slapped her up good, she recalled. But she countered with a threat--"I'll leave home." You'll be back before dinner, he replied. And yet she hopped the next freight with a close friend who she later discovered was pregnant.
The establishers of Black Bear Ranch Commune near Siskiyou County, California, had no interest in catching a freight. They didn't need to in order to get away. The founders soon discovered that people were willing to jump ship to get on board with the phrase "Free Land, Free People". Richard Marley recounted a story in which his fellow communeer, Michael Tierra, mentioned their gig to a gas station clerk. By the next week, this clerk was surrounded by the remote Norther California Wilderness.
This reminds me of the sorts of activism, the kind of drop what you're doing because you're inspired phenomenon we've seen this election cycle. As much as I disagree with his blah blah blah and what-have-you, Ron Paul has handed out this initiative like golden leaflets this year.
I just got off the phone, already trying to sway a friend into believing how powerful this documentary is-- how moved I am. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly able communicate my thoughts as effectively as Barrack Obama has done.
I found it difficult to tell her that these were not your usual self-proclaimed bead-wearing, smoke dope and say nope to work, hippies. These were the real deal, Paolo Soleri-esque live with a purpose, we're not going to let any of those urbanites tell us otherwise type of vision seekers. They lived a romantic life, but what I think is a sensible return to subsistence. But I couldn't say this. I wanted to. Soon I'll be out in the woods and it won't matter (see the righty photograph for excruciating details).
*Upper Photo courtesy of the Huffington Post
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But as the director points out himself: "Peace and love are only half the story." It's even more powerful than, "a powerful cinematic story of one attempt amongst countless others to create a separate society based on sharing rather than hoarding,
voluntary poverty rather than involuntary servitude, developing
relationships through love and empathy rather than envy and competition."
They may have been countless because nobody bothered to count them, but there were never that many of these communes. If the number approached 100,000 I would be astounded and I would actually be surprised if was even 10,000.
It has been 40 years since 1968. Most of the people who were in their late teens and early 20s who were presumbably founding these communes are in their late 50's and early 60's now. I wonder how many of them are still living the commune lifestyle? I wonder how many of them even cling to the ideals and values that motivated that lifestyle? I bet the vast majority of those people are solidly entrenched in the middleclass and living ordinary lives based on consumerism, capitalism and minivans. About the only place I ever run into an aging grey bearded genuine hippie anymore is in the little mountain communities of Colorado and New Mexico. And mostly the only thing they are good for is hanging out in the bar.
Do you know if ANY of the communes founded during that period and based on those ideals still exist? Most of the contemporary communes I read about usually turn out to be whacked out cults that practice polygamy and other bizare religious stuff.
In my view it was an interesting experiment and a collasal failure. Peace,love, and voluntary poverty turned out not to be very powerful at all.
That's an interesting point. I can see why you would deem these "experiments" failures, especially as they don't attract the numbers (nor the sustained, lifelong following) of zealous patriots as something like consumerism, the middle class and capitalism.
The commune that was at the center of the documentary which existed in 1968, Black Bear Ranch, still exists. Honestly I haven't researched further into the existence of others, because I'm a bit new to the topic. I think the ArcoSanti project by Soleri holds a positive, sustainable future, but who knows for sure.
Many of the eco-centered living projects in Europe are going strong. I got my hands on a book, an index really, of many of the communes throughout that continent. Couple hundred I reckon and they each specialize in different trades. Neat huh?
Earth First: we'll destroy the other planets later.
I suppose if that is what turns your crank then you should live that way. Personally I think it sounds a lot like being a serf.
For myself, I like middle class consumerism and find it very rewarding. I just ordered myself one of these the other day:
Polaris RZR
I sold my snow mobiles about 8 years ago so it has been quite a while since I owned a "throttle toy". It should be delivered in June and I'm looking forward to charging around in it. I drive to my cabin in the mountains a lot in the summer and I am hoping that this will save me a little money on gas over my gas guzzling truck. It will never save enough to justify its cost economically but the environment might be a tad better off and I had to tell my wife something. Basically it is a toy and is one of the pleasures that comes along with membership in the Middleclass.
To each his own. I'd like to replicate as many of the lifestyles in Herman Hesse's Sidhartha as I can through this journey.
Earth First: we'll destroy the other planets later.