Friday, August 9, 2019
Biography of Abbie Hoffman:
Abbie Hoffman (1936–1989) was an American political and social activist, best known for his role in the countercultural and anti-establishment movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Born on November 30, 1936, in Worcester, Massachusetts, as Abbott Howard Hoffman, he was raised in a Jewish family.
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| Biography of Abbie Hoffman |
Hoffman attended Brandeis University, where he studied psychology and became involved in political activism. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 and later pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
In the mid-1960s, Hoffman emerged as a prominent figure in the counterculture and the anti-Vietnam War movement. Along with Jerry Rubin, he co-founded the Youth International Party (Yippies) in 1967, a group that used theatrical and often humorous tactics to protest against war, racism, and other social issues. The Yippies gained attention for their irreverent approach to activism.
One of Hoffman's most famous moments occurred during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago when he and seven other activists were charged with conspiracy and incitement to riot in what became known as the Chicago Seven trial. The trial was a highly publicized event that showcased Hoffman's theatrical courtroom antics and his confrontations with the judge.
Hoffman was also known for his activism against the capitalist system and his efforts to promote social justice. He wrote several books, including "Revolution for the Hell of It" (1968) and "Steal This Book" (1971), the latter providing advice on how to live outside the establishment and subvert societal norms.
In the 1970s, Hoffman faced legal troubles, including drug-related charges, which led to him going underground for several years. He resurfaced in the late 1970s, served a short prison sentence, and continued to be involved in activism.
Abbie Hoffman's life took a tragic turn when he faced personal and mental health challenges. On April 12, 1989, he was found dead at his home in New Hope, Pennsylvania, having died by suicide. Hoffman's legacy endures as a symbol of the counterculture movement, anti-establishment activism, and the spirit of rebellion that characterized the 1960s and 1970s in the United States.