One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Research Paper

“All across the nation such a strange vibration, people in motion. There’s a whole generation with a new explanation, people in motion, people in motion. For those who come to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. If you come to San Francisco, summertime will be a love-in there” (McKenzie).
“At no other time in history of American culture has the creativity of the whole younger generation been called into play” (Chambers 72). From the love festivals to the Vietnam War protests, from the discovery of the subconscious mind through drugs to the peace rallies, music succeeded in encompassing the spirit of the people in this decade. This generation of flower children questioned the principles and practices of American society …show more content…
The festivals were usually several days long and had a streamline of musical talent. In 1966, The Trips Festival of San Francisco was a three-day concert located in Longshoreman’s Hall. The performances were enhanced with light shows and the common use of drugs. Ken Kesey, the author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and others organized the festival and also provided beverages mixed with LSD. The list of performers consisted of a variety of hippie and acid rock bands, including the Grateful Dead, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and the Charlatans. “It was incredible because of the formlessness…and stuff happening spontaneously and people being prepared to accept any kind of thing that was happening and add to it. Everybody was creating” (Garcia Jerry, Chambers …show more content…
During the music festivals an aura of peace and love was kept by a communal setting where the hippies gathered. Thousands lived in communes sharing bathroom facilities, supplies, and food provided by companies such as the Hog Farm Commune. In the communes, the hippies felt unified and were surrounded by art, clothing, people and even cars that showed the same ideals. The clothes were now handmade and flowers, bright colors, and soft fabrics were incorporated into women’s clothing. Many wore hand-strung beads, and flowers in their hair, rings and if the climate was temperate as in California, they went bare foot. Men no longer had crew cuts, but long hair either free flowing or in a ponytail. The dictatorial control over fashion once exerted by fashion houses was broken. Album covers that were once simplistic now became another way to depict not only the bands and singers but illustrated more innovative styles and were ultimately exhibited as art in their own