Retrospect: 1968

A year of upheaval, of protest, of a man landing on the moon. But let’s talk about the real drama: hair.

The year was a mane-iacal frenzy. Hair grew longer, wilder, and more defiant with each passing month. It was as if the world was collectively saying, “Screw it, let’s see if gravity still works.” Men, once confined to clipped crew cuts, now sported locks that could double as a squirrel’s nest. Women, tired of the beehive, embraced the freedom of long, flowing hair. And don’t even get me started on the fringes. Bangs were a battleground. Blunt, side-swept, oh baby – they made a bold statement.

Meanwhile, the world was burning. Cities were erupting, politicians were stumbling, and a certain war was dragging on like a bad acid trip. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a peculiar sense of optimism. It was the era of Aquarius, after all. Peace, love, and understanding were supposed to be just around the corner. Or at least, that’s what the posters said.

I remember a protest march. Not the kind with signs and chants. This was a silent protest, a mass meditation on the power of hair. Thousands of us, men and women, young and old, gathered in a park. We sat in a circle, our hair forming a psychedelic mandala. It was a beautiful, if slightly ridiculous, sight. We meditated on world peace or maybe it was about finding a decent hair care product, I forget.

Then there was the fashion. Bell-bottoms, tie-dye, and platform shoes. It was as if everyone was trying to escape gravity, one splashy outfit at a time. And let’s not forget the love beads. They were like tiny, colorful handcuffs of friendship and pleasure. Or maybe just a way to keep your eyes from getting lost in all the short skirts?

1968: A year of contradictions. A time of great social change and questionable fashion choices. A period when humanity was reaching for the stars while simultaneously tripping over its own feet. But through it all, there was a spirit of rebellion, a desire for something different. And that, in its own way, was a small step for mankind, a giant leap for hair.

–30–

Kevin Driscoll
(Mostly) Vegetarian, Politically Progressive, Daily Runner, Spiritual, Helpful, Friendly, Kind, Warm Hearted and Forgiving. Resident of Braintree MA.