the counter culture movement
1950's 'Bodgies' Poster- Key Idea: The Western Counter Culture Movement was a long term cause of the Anti-Vietnam War Protest Movement in NZ.
In 1945 the Second World War came to a close. With troops returning home there was a significant increase in the birth rate in countries across the world giving rise to what is known as the 'baby boomer generation'. In NZ alone, between 1946 and 1965 over a million babies were born. After facing the war the parents of these children strove for a life of stability underpinned by traditional values. This however was not to be the case as many youths felt trapped in the conservative society of the Western world and thus a counter-culture movement emerged.
Through the introduction of jet travel and television in the 1950's, the world was on NZ's doorstep. New Zealand's world view was expanding, becoming exposed us to new ideas from the UK and USA. In the US the 'yippie' movement had begun to emerge with a group of politically active hippies preaching a message of non conformity (a result of the growing the anti-war and civil rights movement). Overseas fashion trends such as the British 'Mods and Rockers' who epitomised rock 'n roll and motorbikes became commonly adopted by New Zealand youth and music began to change as groups such as the Beatles dominated youth culture.
NZ youth became highly influenced by the emergence of these new sub-cultures with their own of 'Bodgies and Widgies' here and in Australia evolving . 'Bodgies and Widgies' were similar to British Rockers, with an unconventional style, more promiscuous behavior than their parents generation, taste for rock music and a desire to express their individuality. They were however, also inspired by Hollywood portrayals of teenage rebellion and older New Zealander's felt the number of youth criminals was increasing with an inquiry even being commissioned by the National Government which called for 'a return to Christianity and traditional values'. Television would not only introduce the influence of overseas entertainment but also broadcast images from the Vietnam War and in 1963 include advertisements from major political parties National, Labour and Social Credit.
Below is a video demonstrating the hysteria generated by the Beatles (a highly influential rock and roll group among youths at this time) on their visit to NZ and Australia in 1964...
- Key Idea: An increase in protest was a long term cause of the Anti-Vietnam War Protest Movement in NZ.