A young girl marching through the 1960s

Interviewer: You were mentioning how the Sixties were a time of major upheaval in our society. Could you elaborate more on your experience within those historical events?

Peggy: Sure.

The Civil Rights Movement and Anti-War Movement were a turning point in my life.

I would watch the Civil Rights marches on the television news. I was only 15, and I saw the police use attack dogs and fire hoses on these brave people. It was shocking and frightening.  It opened my eyes to the injustice of racial segregation and discrimination.

By the time I went to college, opposition to the Vietnam War was growing -- especially on college campuses. Young men were drafted and forced to join the military. Many of my friends were sent to Vietnam. I marched along with thousands of other people. These were peaceful marches, in the beginning. I went to the sit-ins and demonstrations. Many colleges canceled classes.

As the war dragged on, what started as peaceful movement turned violent. Police tried to break up large demonstrations. Students threw rocks. It was crazy.

 At that point, I was mad. I didn’t trust the government. I started thinking that all the protests weren’t working. I was angry at my parents were very conservative and we argued over the war. At college I couldn’t seem to concentrate on my studies. It seemed pointless.

So after two years of college, I decided to drop out.

Interviewer: Did you ever have some doubts about dropping out?

Peggy: Not really. I wanted to be part of everything that was going on. I wanted to do more. Basically, I had to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life.

But let me explain that the Sixties had an impact on every aspect of our society and culture. This period was a rebellion against the status quo. What emerged was a Counterculture.  And it affected music, fashion and exploring new alternatives in life style.

 In my case, my friends and I moved to Maine and formed a commune.