I wanted to be a hippie. I was however just a bit too young to make that move. It probably saved me from many perils and heartaches. As it was, I embraced the concept of world peace. It was with the naivete of youth and a narrow world view that I embraced the “Coca-cola” philosophy.
I’d like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
(Chorus)
I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
That’s the real thing
What the world wants today
Is the real thing
As I prepare to celebrate 6 decades on this planet, I’m reminded of that time when I really believed that world peace was possible. The Vietnam War was ending, there was detente between the US and China, and the Cold War was winding down. There was a sense of hope. The same idealistic vibe was being expressed by John Lennon in Imagine:
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
I am older and wiser. I know it isn’t as easy as providing a bottle of cola to one’s enemies or sharing a cold beverage to become friends. There is no easy fix to greed, suspicion, aggression, subterfuge, prejudice, and hatred. I want a world where right and wrong are clearly delineated in a black and white way. My years have taught me that there is more grey in the world than either black or white. Even the most clearly good things can be used in bad ways and evil things can in some circumstances result in good. And therein is the rub. I don’t have any answers. I can’t formulate any grand plans to bring about world peace. My only actions are at the personal level. I try to be kind. I attempt to be generous with my time, treasure, and talent. I strive to apply the “Golden Rule” in my interactions with the people in my life. Sometimes I fail. But that’s OK because I’m only human. It just gives me another chance to get it right.
My belt buckle has seen better days but I’m still wearing it – I still hope for world peace…
A Different Perspective 
It is hard for me to maintain hope but then I remember my Grandma in her time thought we were ‘going to hell in a hand basket’. She probably used the word heck, I can’t remember. 🙂
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Every generation worries that the youth will muck it up worse than it already is… I suppose if there is still a little shred of hope we’ll be OK.
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Every little gesture helps — even the belt buckle!
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Ha! The belt buckle is still being worn but the ring and choker necklace are holding space in the jewelry box!
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When Krysten was in high school, they had a ’70s Day during spirit week. I dug through a box of old clothes in the basement and came up with an embroidered muslin smock top, a fleece-lined suede vest, a POW bracelet and I can’t remember what else that I’d saved from my own high school years. Her friends were highly impressed and asked where she got the cool clothes. “They were my mom’s,” she answered. “Wow! Was your mom a hippie?” they asked. “No,” she replied, “she just dressed like one.” She nailed it – I loved the fashion, but not the communes, drugs, free love, homelessness, lack of hygiene, etc.” I was always an old-fashioned girl at heart.
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We are truly kindred spirits! I’m so strait-laced it is a wonder I can breathe! I loved the peasant dresses and the embroidered cotton tops…
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I’m with you.
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Yay! I’m not alone!!!
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I was the same – a bit too young but I idealized some of the hippie culture in my young mind. The Coke song spoke volumes to me as did Imagine. I believed in peace and desired it. I felt it was possible. I really thought it was something that could happen. Oh, to be that naive. My daughter was outspoken in her own classrooms and with her friends about her own ideas about peace as we rolled toward the Iraq war. Peace is a most admirable desire. Peace for the world as well as inner peace. It’s a dream – a beautiful dream…. peace to you dear lady
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Peace out! I believe that it is still possible but maybe it will have to happen just one person at a time!
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Maybe so. If every one would agree peace is a good idea! ✌
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I don’t think we will ever have global consensus but I’m working to get peace to stick around in my living room!
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I love this and love you too! Let ‘s always have hope in our hearts and the courage to stand up and speak out for what we know is right and just….and be advocates for those who need help.
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Some people think I’m out of touch with reality. I’m working to make my dreams a reality… learned it from you.
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Good thoughts! I suspect we’ve all had a time when our dreams ran head-on into reality 🙂 But the key is to always keep dreaming, even as we work toward changing that reality one person at a time.
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Absolutely! Moving the dreams into reality is the miracle.
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I completely agree that there is more grey than black and white in this world. And I also agree that the trick to to aim for world peace (and love, and harmony and understanding…) in all of our words and actions, and trust that will be enough to make a change. Great post!
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It is all about making the world better – one person at a time, one day at a time…
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Any kindness we do, helps.
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Absolutely. And paying it forward makes a difference too!!
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This Deadhead chick says right on! 🙂
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Peace out! Glad to know I’m not the only one longing for world peace or maybe just contagious inner peace.
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