LBJ, USA, LSD, FBI, CIA

I’m square. I’m pretty sure I’m one of the squarest people I know. So when I watch documentaries about the 1960s, I wonder which side I would choose during the culture war. On one side, I think, “Why couldn’t those hippies just conform? They should get a job and a haircut.” On the other side, I think, “Dissent is the basis of democracy, and they had every right to challenge the establishment.” I was four in 1968. I don’t recall being particularly forceful in my political leanings at that age, but I do recall the extreme distance in thinking between my parents and grandparents. And I remember refusing to wear jeans. See, square.

Some of my favorite posters were designed at this time. In many instances, I don’t know who the designer was; they were typically printed quickly and posted around the Haight. They all share a passion, immediacy, and earnest hope for a better future. They often ignored production issues in the race to get the message to the people. Now, don’t get all riled up and think I’m some sort of pinko commie because I like the Che Guevara and Fidel Castro posters. If you know me, you know I’m the farthest thing from a Communist. I’m just shallow and I like the colors.