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Sir: There is a kind of hippie you did not mention, the "working hippie," who works in a 9-to-5 job as a clean-shaven, productive member of society. In his gut, he practices the same philosophy of the more publicized hippies, but he is so unconventional and nonconformist that he doesn't need to wear bangles, beads and a beard to prove that, in spirit, he is a hippie. In time, dropout hippies may realize that they can do as much, or more, on the inside of society as on the outside. Until then, we should be everlastingly thankful to them for reminding us of the values we all are supposed to possess.
AL SHEAHEN Van Nuys, Calif.
Sir: TIME must know that hippies can never relate to Hobbits.
Hobbits are simple, wholesome, neat, fun-loving and appreciative of the good life. They need no hallucinogens to tell them when parties are fun, food good, and life pleasant and comfortable. In pursuit of their affairs they are realistic and responsible. A Hobbit pad is clean, comfortable, beloved and cozy, a good place for a comforting cup of tea. We stay-ins must judge from TIME'S picture that hippies live just a step above animals.
LOUISE LAURENZ Rolla, Mo.
Sir: You're kidding yourselves, just like all straight people who say, "This is the creed of every hippie; they all think the same, talk the same, look the same, are the same." All hippies have a different purpose. Of course, we all love and want to be loved. We see beauty in things that other people take for granted. We love flowers because they symbolize freedom. We want to live as flowers do, sway with the wind, belong to the world in a lovely sort of way. Stop writing articles on us, please. We are not to be studied. We are human beings, even though we have different ideas than you do.
I was a straight person until a year ago. I was so miserable that I decided there must be a better life. I found it, and now I am living with people of my own kind. We are happy and we enjoy ourselves. You should try it some time. I do not take drugs, and I don't smoke pot or marijuana because I don't enjoy it. Some people have pleasant trips and others have baddies. I had a baddie. I do take part in love-ins and demonstrations, though. I am happy, and I wish the world could be the same.
MARY (I have no last name) Chicago
Beat the Drums
Sir: Your Essay on public relations [July 7] is a masterpiece of objective research. Like all other professions, p.r. has its share of phonies. But on balance the wonder is that it's come so far so fast.
WALTER W. SEIFERT Associate Professor of Public Relations Ohio State University Columbus
Sir: You went to great lengths to find a definition of public relations. Yet any good p.r. man can define his trade in three words: cadging free advertising.
CHUCK MORRIS Chicago
Sir: To list social-climbing publicity and sports flackery alongside corporate public relations under "public relations" is tantamount to lumping a circus seal with Sir John Gielgud as "entertainers."