The Future is Yours (Still), Essay Example

Introduction

The article entitled “The Future is Yours (Still)” by Abbie Hoffman represents an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of law and the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded. This author was a staunch activist and an individual with a strong focus on politics and its impact on the human condition (A&E Networks). Hoffman held strong and steadfast beliefs regarding the Vietnam War and civil rights, thereby protesting when he believed that he could make a difference (A&E Networks). His explanation of his own defense after an arrest for protesting demonstrates his larger focus on the development of perspectives that attempted to revolutionize society and to buck the status quo (Hoffman).

Body

Hoffman’s article represents a means of addressing democracy and a means of justifying his actions in the events that ensued prior to this writing (Hoffman). This article attempted to convey the importance of Hoffman’s actions as a symbol of righting wrongs and supporting the development and sustainability of democratic principles that have a positive influence on America (Hoffman). The article addresses Hoffman’s point of view regarding his own actions as well as the actions taken when individuals fight for their freedom and express themselves in different ways. Similarly, it is important to fight for personal beliefs, but not to allow it to interfere with the law and to infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others. Therefore, although Hoffman’s action are worthy and of value, they are also indicative of an uphill battle that is difficult to overcome.

Hoffman’s own life experiences are conveyed in this article and support his passions of the 1960s and 1970s, where he found his niche and made a name for himself (PBS). In contrast, Hoffman fought his own demons which included bipolar disorder, which was an eventual contributor to his own death by suicide in the late 1980s (PBS). However, up until his death, Hoffman was a master at his own game of cat and mouse and sought to make a name for himself through his controversial actions and memorable performances (Time.com). It is important to recognize Hoffman’s experiences and his contribution to activism, but to also remember that his actions were perhaps too extreme and unnecessary in order to get his point across. Hoffman made decisions in excess and in spite of the attention that he garnered, he was unable to achieve a satisfying life. Therefore, Hoffman is a tragic figure in many ways and his article represents his passion that never truly came to fruition.

Conclusion

Abbie Hoffman represents a face of history that recognized that the status quo was unacceptable. Therefore, he sought to do something about it and to be recognized for his efforts in different ways. Although Hoffman managed to achieve some degree of success in his endeavors and got the public talking, his ambitions were never fully realized, and he died a lonely and conflicted man. Hoffman almost appeared to play a part in his own movie as he jumped from one role to the next and often emerged as a shadow of his former self in many instances. He was an enigma and was never fully understood by the media nor many of the common people of America who sat by quietly and led their lives without much fanfare. Hoffman was the extreme opposite and did not appear to be comfortable in his own skin. Therefore, he died without ever fully realizing his full potential and his own destiny.

Works Cited

A&E Networks. “Abbie Hoffman, Biography.” 7 December 2013: http://www.biography.com/people/abbie-hoffman-9341100 Hoffman, Abbie. “The Future is Yours (Still).”

PBS. “Abbott (Abbie) Hoffman.” 7 December 2013: http://www.pbs.org/opb/thesixties/topics/revolution/newsmakers_2.html

Time.com. “Top 10 Famous Disappearances: Abbie Hoffman.” 7 December 2013: http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1846670_1846800_1846915,00.html