Hunter S Thompson Research Paper

The “hippie movement” of the late 1960s and early 1970s is a notorious time in history, known for free love, drug use, political and social reform, and widely perceived as a period of fun. Films such as Almost Famous, the Boat that Rocked and even the Australian TV series “Puberty Blues” have portrayed this time as one of bliss and freedom. The 70s was undeniably a time of great progress, however it also had negative effects on the world which are often ignored. Such as the aids epidemic of the 80s, a cult uprising and psychological problems as a result of the drug fuelled and indulgent lifestyle which was idolised during the time.

Hunter S Thompson was and continues to be a cultural icon, and is one of the most well-known figures of the

However, his later years illustrate the dark side of living such an indulgent and reckless lifestyle, he had several bouts of illness, due to his long history of drinking, smoking and drug use. By 2005 Thompson had grown chronically depressed, disillusioned by the world around him, frustrated with aging and suffering from numerous

Groups of hippies would gather into remote communities in the countryside, striving for a life of simplicity and an escape from the pressures of suburban life. However, in many instances these communities developed into dangerous cults, as many individuals were vulnerable to manipulation due to their isolation from the rest of the world and the drug use that went on within various groups. The infamous “Manson Family” is the best known example of the dangers of cults and the devastation they cause. Led by Charles Milles Manson, which began forming during 1967's Summer of Love and was responsible for the brutal murders of Sharon Tate, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca and four others. The murders were horrific, as their victims were stabbed multiple times even after they had died, and in the case of Sharon Tate, who as pregnant at the time, her baby was cut out of stomach while she was being murdered. Charles Manson's eerie ability to control his "family" of young hippies remains as mysterious and intriguing today as it did in 1969. One can conclude that these inhumane actions were partially the result of Manson’s ability to use drugs such as LSD and speed as a means of control, illustrating the problems with the “hippie movement” and the potential for free love to be abused. Many Manson Family members were sentenced to life in prison for participating in