Beatniks

Beatniks were members of a cultural movement in the 1950s and early 1960s that rejected mainstream American values, emphasizing artistic expression, individuality, and alternative lifestyles. They often embraced jazz music, poetry, and bohemian fashion, challenging conventional norms and celebrating spontaneity and nonconformity. The term originated from the "Beat Generation," a term coined by writer Jack Kerouac, to describe writers and artists who sought authentic experiences beyond materialism. Beatniks played a significant role in influencing the 1960s counterculture, advocating for personal freedom, creative exploration, and social change.