All articles tagged with #counterculture
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
A longtime fan and former owner of Raw, Josh Kesselman, purchased High Times magazine for $3.5 million with the aim of restoring its counterculture ethos and adapting it to the modern era of legal cannabis, planning to produce various media formats and revive events like the Cannabis Cup.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newser
John Sinclair, a counterculture figure known for his activism and music production, has passed away at the age of 82. His arrest for marijuana possession inspired a John Lennon song and a star-studded concert to free him. Sinclair continued to advocate for marijuana legalization and played a significant role in the movement. Throughout his life, he was involved in various artistic and political endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on the counterculture movement.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Detroit News
John Sinclair, a prominent marijuana activist, counterculture figure, and poet, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his advocacy for marijuana legalization and his role in the MC5, Sinclair was a key figure in the counterculture movement and a co-founder of the radical anti-racist group, the White Panther Party. His arrest and subsequent freedom rally in the 1970s galvanized activists and drew support from influential figures like John Lennon. Sinclair's legacy lives on through his impact on the marijuana legalization movement and his extensive body of work in poetry and activism.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Detroit Free Press
John Sinclair, the Detroit poet, cannabis activist, and counterculture icon, has passed away at the age of 82. He was known for his role in the MC5 band, the White Panther Party, and his efforts to legalize marijuana in Michigan. Sinclair was a charismatic and controversial figure who made headlines as a cultural whirlwind and bold provocateur during the 1960s and 70s. Despite his utopian dreams of a post-industrial society based on leisure and marijuana, Sinclair's impact on counterculture and music in Detroit was significant.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Detroit Metro Times
John Sinclair, the poet and political activist known for his role in Detroit's counterculture scene, has passed away at the age of 82. He was a prominent figure in the 1960s and '70s, managing the rock band MC5 and co-founding the White Panther Party. Sinclair's activism, including his imprisonment for cannabis-related charges, inspired protests and a song by John Lennon. He later became a cannabis columnist and advocate, and continued to be involved in the music and cannabis communities until his passing.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
The Brooklyn Museum is hosting an exhibition called "Copy Machine Manifestos" that celebrates the radical history of zines. With over 800 objects on display, the exhibition explores the role of zines in art, their democratizing nature, and their ability to foster artistic communities. Starting in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the exhibition traces the evolution of zines, from their origins in correspondence networks to their relevance in punk, queer, and feminist movements. The exhibition aims to provide an alternative history of art and highlight the ongoing vitality of zines as a medium.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Gizmodo
The nearly complete archive of the Whole Earth Catalog, a magazine that played a significant role in popularizing tech and internet culture, has been digitized and made available online. The collection includes issues of the original magazine as well as the Whole Earth Software Review, which focused on the emerging computer culture. The project was directed by the Gray Collective and supported by the Long Now Foundation and the Internet Archive. The archive can be accessed in PDF form on the Internet Archive's website.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WIRED
The Whole Earth Catalog, a counterculture publication founded by Stewart Brand 55 years ago, has been made available online for the first time. The digital library includes the catalog, magazines, and journals, offering readers the ability to browse through the content or download entire issues. The Whole Earth Catalog was influential in promoting self-reliance and had a profound impact on Silicon Valley's ethos. The restoration project was led by Barry Threw, in collaboration with the Long Now Foundation and the Internet Archive. The collection serves as a comprehensive archive of the Whole Earth publications, which had been relatively inaccessible in recent years.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WIRED
The annual Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert is experiencing a clash between long-time attendees and tech bros, celebs, and influencers who expect a weeklong Coachella in the desert. The event's core principles of self-reliance and decommodification are being challenged by the growing piles of debris left behind and the festival's impact on climate change. Social media has played a role in spreading misinformation and distorting the perception of the event. While some argue that Burning Man's tenets worked during this year's rain-induced fiasco, others point out that not all attendees followed the principle of decommodification.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Burning Man is a nine-day celebration of art and self-expression held in Black Rock City, Nevada. The festival, which attracts around 70,000 people each year, culminates in the burning of a towering wooden sculpture shaped like a man. Attendees, known as Burners, describe the event as an exercise in creativity and community building. However, this year's festival has been marred by extreme weather conditions, including rain and thick sludge, leading to limited access and challenges for participants. Burning Man has evolved from a modest gathering in 1986 to a dayslong desert rave that attracts tech moguls, influencers, and celebrities. The festival has faced criticism for its changing demographics and the influx of wealthier attendees, which some argue has diluted its DIY ethos.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Los Angeles Times
Jamie Reid, the British artist known for his iconic Sex Pistols record covers and his role in defining the punk aesthetic, has passed away at the age of 76. Reid's designs, including the famous "God Save the Queen" poster, became synonymous with the punk rock movement of the 1970s. His DIY-style graphic design remains influential to this day. Reid, who aligned himself with counterculture movements throughout his life, leaves behind a legacy of politically charged artwork held in museums worldwide.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Polygon
Pee-wee's Playhouse, created by Paul Reubens, challenged the norms of children's TV by embracing counterculture and outsider art. The show, with its campy and eccentric style, featured a mix of puppetry, singing, dancing, and surreal elements. It believed that children had the capacity to appreciate and understand art. Pee-wee's Playhouse influenced a generation of TV shows, from The Simpsons to SpongeBob SquarePants, that embraced irreverence and countercultural themes. However, today's commercial entertainment often feels sterilized and profit-driven, lacking the artistic possibilities that Pee-wee's Playhouse represented. The article calls for a platform and appetite for the next great, unhinged Pee-wee Herman to continue pushing boundaries in children's entertainment.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vox.com
A decade after the military coup in Egypt, the country remains repressive, with the military essentially running the government. However, amidst the political environment, a young generation of musicians has emerged, using hip-hop and rap to express their own stories and challenge societal norms. This genre of music, known as mahraganat, has gained popularity and serves as a form of counterculture. While not directly addressing the government, the lyrics touch on economic circumstances and the stifling environment, making it inherently political. The government's red lines are constantly shifting, creating uncertainty for artists and activists who must carefully navigate their expressions. Despite the oppressive climate, the energy and frustration of the youth population could potentially lead to political instability if their needs and energies are not addressed by the government.