The Chicago Seven: Those Crazy Kids and Their Wild Protest Party
So, you've heard of the Chicago Seven, huh? Let's dive into the wild world of these counterculture heroes (or villains, depending on who you ask).
Who Were These Guys, Anyway?
Picture this: it's 1968. The Vietnam War is raging, and America is a powder keg of social unrest. Enter the Chicago Seven: a motley crew of anti-war activists, hippies, and general troublemakers. They were originally the Chicago Eight, but one guy (Bobby Seale) got kicked out for being too loud, so they became the Seven.
The gang consisted of Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, John Froines, Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman (the poster child for psychedelic weirdness), Jerry Rubin (his equally wild sidekick), and Lee Weiner. Think of them as the Avengers, but instead of saving the world, they were trying to change it.
The Big Protest Party (That Went Wrong)
The Chicago Seven decided to throw a little protest party to coincide with the 1968 Democratic National Convention. They figured, "Hey, why not? Let's show these suits how we feel about the war." What could possibly go wrong?
Well, as it turns out, a lot. The protest turned into a chaotic clash between demonstrators and the Chicago police, later dubbed the "Chicago Riot." It was like a real-life action movie, but with worse hair and more peace signs.
The Trial: A Circus, Not a Courtroom
After the whole protest fiasco, the Chicago Seven found themselves in the hot seat. Their trial was less of a legal proceeding and more of a reality TV show before reality TV was a thing. Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin turned the courtroom into their personal stage, pulling all sorts of antics. It was like watching a three-ring circus, except the clowns were lawyers and the lions were the judge.
In the end, they were all acquitted of conspiracy charges, but some were found guilty of crossing state lines to incite a riot. It was a mixed bag of results, but the trial itself became a symbol of the turbulent times.
So, What Did They Achieve?
Did the Chicago Seven change the world? That's a complex question. While they didn't end the Vietnam War or achieve all their goals, they did succeed in shining a spotlight on the anti-war movement and the growing divide in American society. Their trial became a cultural touchstone, and their legacy continues to inspire activism and free speech.
How To...
- How to channel your inner Abbie Hoffman: Embrace your weirdness, question authority, and always wear something outrageous.
- How to organize a peaceful protest: Get a permit, have a clear message, and remember, violence never solves anything.
- How to become a counterculture icon: Grow your hair long, listen to psychedelic rock, and be prepared to challenge the status quo.
- How to handle a hostile courtroom: Stay calm, be respectful (or not), and always have a good lawyer.
- How to make history: Be passionate about something, be willing to take risks, and never give up.
So there you have it, the wild and crazy story of the Chicago Seven. They may not have saved the world, but they definitely made it more interesting.