If you have ever seen Across the Universe you know the movie takes place during the controversial 1960s during a time of anti-war protests, hippies, drugs, and great music. It is one of my favorite movies combining history, love, music, and art. It is truly unlike any movie I have seen. There is one part of the movie that I just did not understand, and didn't really like. Until now! Do you remember the part of the movie where things get weird and psychedelic with Bono?
I just did not understand this part of the movie. That is because I didn't understand the significance of this. In my Facial Hair class, as I have mentioned before, we talk about the different counter culture movements and leaders in history (because most of them had wild facial hair.)
Enter: Ken Kesey.
We learned about Ken Kesey and his crazy life today (even though he was clean shaven.) He is an author who wrote the novel, One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest. Which inspired one of my favorite films starring Jack Nicholson. He took part in a government program where they would test LSD on different people, thinking it would become a sort of truth serum (like veriteserum in Harry Potter?). Yeah, you read that right, LSD. They often administered the drug to people without their consent. Like "Oh surprise! I just gave you some LSD, have a fun trip!"
He became the leader of a group called, The Merry Pranksters which was a group that supported drug use. In the early 60's they rode across country from California to New York on a insane magic bus (that inspired many other magic buses) and went on a long cross country trip (pun intended.)
They would take LSD in Kool-Aid and try not to freak out as they listened to The Grateful Dead traveling across the US.
Enter: Ken Kesey.
We learned about Ken Kesey and his crazy life today (even though he was clean shaven.) He is an author who wrote the novel, One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest. Which inspired one of my favorite films starring Jack Nicholson. He took part in a government program where they would test LSD on different people, thinking it would become a sort of truth serum (like veriteserum in Harry Potter?). Yeah, you read that right, LSD. They often administered the drug to people without their consent. Like "Oh surprise! I just gave you some LSD, have a fun trip!"
He became the leader of a group called, The Merry Pranksters which was a group that supported drug use. In the early 60's they rode across country from California to New York on a insane magic bus (that inspired many other magic buses) and went on a long cross country trip (pun intended.)
They would take LSD in Kool-Aid and try not to freak out as they listened to The Grateful Dead traveling across the US.
Such a cool part of history that we obviously don't learn in school. I am not saying it's cool to try a bunch of LSD and ride across the country. DO NOT do that, but learn about it! There are tons of cool documentaries and videos online!