How Did John Lennon Influence Society

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John Lennon’s Assassination: The Mark at the End of an Era “If everyone demanded peace instead of a new television set, then there’d be peace” - John Lennon (Magness, 2). Most people know of John Lennon from his days with the Beatles, but many are unaware of his contributions for a better tomorrow. John Lennon was the trademark of his time during the 1960s counterculture. His influence spread world wide because of his music, and later because of his advocacies towards peace. John Lennon believed in revolutionizing the world into something better. He fought for race relations, for feminism, and against the war in Vietnam. Many thought that because of John Lennon, society was slowly but surely headed in the right direction. After the tragic …show more content…

The Beatles and John Lennon were a heavy influence on this generation. Bands like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane were also greatly influential to the children of the counterculture. This music was more than just something to dance to, it was a common language. The youths who were entranced by this musics were recognized as hippies. They would call themselves flower children and associate with beads, ethnic clothing, and tie-dye. But the 60s were not just all about the flower children, contrary to popular belief the 60s was a decade of drastic change and progression. Minorities, women, and the new generation challenged the establishment. There was a huge spike in non violent racial protests led by Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and violent ones lead by the Black Panthers and Malcolm X. Vietnam war protests led by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) would widen the credibility gap. Feminism was also taking the spotlight. The second wave of feminism started in the 60s and went on for the next two decades promoting equal rights for women. The counterculture all together made about only 10 percent of the population, but the media broadcasted it on such a grand scale that people believed it was everyone’s child who wore the rounded glasses and tie dyed shirt. The media coverage of the counterculture goes to show its impact on America.
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