Hitchhiking: Two thumbs out!
In this episode of the Stuff You Should Know podcast, the origins and evolution of hitchhiking are explored. From its beginnings as an adventurous activity for affluent youth in the 1920s to its embrace as a means of finding work during the Great Depression, hitchhiking's cultural significance is traced through various eras.
The discussion examines the role of hitchhiking in wartime America, when offering rides to soldiers was seen as a patriotic duty. It then delves into the shifting public perceptions surrounding the practice, from the FBI's warnings about its dangers in the 1950s to the counterculture's adoption of hitchhiking as a symbol of freedom in the 1960s and its eventual decline in the 1970s.
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1-Page Summary
Origins and rise of hitchhiking in 1920s among affluent youth
Hitchhiking began in the 1920s, gaining popularity with young, sometimes affluent individuals, especially college students looking to explore. The increase in car ownership introduced the new concept of offering rides to travelers, matching the society's burgeoning interest in automotive transport. The activity was considered exciting and adventurous, as it provided unprecedented freedom for these young people to discover new areas previously inaccessible without a car.
Hitchhiking during Depression in 1930s to find work
The 1930s' economic struggles turned hitchhiking into a widespread and respectable means of travel for job seekers across the nation. Hitchhikers would dress meticulously to distinguish themselves from hobos, wearing suits and hats to present themselves as determined workers, thus gaining sympathy from the public and rides from passing drivers. In 1938, a substantial 43% of Americans had a favorable view of hitchhiking, evidencing its acceptance during the hard times of the Depression.
Patriotic duty to pick up soldiers hitchhiking in WWII
Hitchhiking by soldiers in World War II was common and seen as a duty by citizens wanting to contribute to the war effort. Offering a ride to military personnel was perceived as a patriotic act, emblematic of the national unity and homefront support that epitomized the American spirit during the war years. This period entrenched the idea that assisting soldiers with transportation was part of everyone's responsibility to the nation's cause.
FBI warning of dangers in 1950s
In the 1950s, J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI amplified the perception that hitchhiking was dangerous. The era saw a surge in cautionary narratives, both through high-profile criminal cases involving hitchhikers and media depictions. Movies, such as "The Hitchhiker," portrayed the practice as perilous and reinforced the growing societal apprehension towards offering rides to strangers.
Resurgence with hippies in 1960s
The 1960s witnessed a hitchhiking renaissance, particularly within the hippie movement, seen as an expression of anti-consumerism and communal trust. Hitchhiking was adopted as an inexpensive mode of travel that aligned with the counterculture's principles, promoting an adventurous and freedom-filled lifestyle. Emblematic works like Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" captured the essence of hitchhiking and influenced the period's portrayal of the activity as an iconic component of the era's culture.
Decline in the 1970s
The prevalence of hitchhiking began to wane in the 1970s due to the increase in car ownership among young people and the shifting societal views toward the practice. With the affordability of used cars, more youths could purchase their own vehicles, leading to a decline in hitchhiking. Attitudes changed, marking those who still hitchhiked as potentially problematic, and they were sometimes unfairly judged as socially deviant or lazy. This period saw a shift towards material possession as a mark of personal industry, contributing to the cultural downfall of hitchhiking.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Hitchhiking became popular among affluent youth in the 1920s due to the increasing car ownership, which allowed for more opportunities to offer and seek rides. Affluent youth saw hitchhiking as an exciting and adventurous way to explore new areas that were previously inaccessible without a car. The activity provided unprecedented freedom for young people to travel independently and discover new places. The societal interest in automotive transport matched the desire for exploration and adventure among affluent youth, contributing to the rise of hitchhiking in the 1920s.
- In the 1930s, job-seeking hitchhikers dressed neatly to differentiate themselves from hobos, who were often associated with homelessness and vagrancy. Hitchhikers aimed to present a respectable appearance to increase their chances of getting rides from drivers sympathetic to their employment search. This distinction was crucial as it helped job-seeking hitchhikers garner support and opportunities during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression. Hobos, on the other hand, were often viewed with suspicion and faced more significant challenges in securing transportation and assistance.
- In the 1950s, the FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover, heightened concerns about the dangers of hitchhiking through public warnings and cautionary narratives. This period saw an increase in media portrayals depicting hitchhiking as risky and potentially hazardous. The FBI's efforts aimed to raise awareness about the perceived dangers associated with offering rides to strangers. These warnings contributed to a growing societal apprehension towards hitchhiking during that time.
- In the 1970s, the decline of hitchhiking was influenced by a shift in societal attitudes towards personal transportation and safety concerns. Increased car ownership made owning a vehicle more accessible, reducing the need for hitchhiking. Hitchhikers were sometimes stigmatized as potentially risky or socially unconventional, contributing to a decline in the practice. This period also saw a cultural shift towards valuing material possessions as symbols of success, contrasting with the perceived simplicity and uncertainty of hitchhiking.
Counterarguments
- Hitchhiking may not have been as widely accepted among the affluent as suggested, as it could have been seen as unseemly or unsafe by more conservative members of society.
- The respectability of hitchhiking during the Depression might be overstated, as there could have been a significant stigma attached to it, with some people viewing it as a last resort rather than a respectable means of travel.
- While hitchhiking soldiers were supported during WWII, there may have been concerns about security and the potential for espionage, leading some citizens to be cautious about picking up hitchhikers, even if they were in uniform.
- The FBI's warnings in the 1950s might have been based on a few high-profile cases, and the actual risk of hitchhiking could have been exaggerated, leading to unnecessary fear.
- The association of hitchhiking with the hippie movement in the 1960s might have contributed to a negative perception among mainstream society, rather than being universally seen as a positive symbol of anti-consumerism and trust.
- The decline of hitchhiking in the 1970s could also be attributed to increased awareness of personal safety and the rise of alternative budget travel options, not just increased car ownership and materialism.
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Origins and rise of hitchhiking in 1920s among affluent youth
In the 1920s, hitchhiking emerged as a popular form of travel among sometimes affluent young people, including college students seeking to journey beyond their campus confines.
Novelty of cars and giving rides
During this era, car ownership was becoming more prevalent, which introduced the novel concept of offering rides to strangers. The idea of picking up a random person was new and aligned with the era's fascination with motor transport.
Seen as adventurous and thrilling
Hitchhik ...
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Origins and rise of hitchhiking in 1920s among affluent youth
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hitchhiking became popular among affluent young people in the 1920s due to the increasing prevalence of car ownership, which allowed for the novel concept of offering rides to strangers. This practice aligned with the era's fascination with motor transport and the sense of adventure and thrill-seeking that hitchhiking provided. Additionally, hitchhiking enabled young people to explore new places that were previously challenging to reach without personal vehicles.
- The increase in car ownership in the 1920s meant more people had access to personal vehicles, making it possible for them to offer rides to strangers. This rise in car ownership created a new social dynamic where individuals could easily connect with others through shared transportation. Offering rides to strangers was a novel concept at the time, as it was a departure from traditional modes of travel and reflected the evolving attitudes towards mobility and social interaction. The availability of cars not only facilitated hitchhiking but also contributed to the sense of adventure and exploration associated with this form of travel.
- In the 1920s, societal factors like the post-World War I era's sense of liberation and the rise of consumer culture contributed t ...
Counterarguments
- While hitchhiking did become popular among some affluent youth, it was not exclusive to them; many people from various socioeconomic backgrounds also hitchhiked out of necessity, especially during the Great Depression.
- The increase in car ownership did facilitate the practice of offering rides, but it also led to concerns about safety and the potential risks associated with picking up strangers, which is not mentioned in the text.
- The romanticization of hitchhiking as adventurous may overlook the fact that for some individuals, it was not a choice but a means of transportation due to economic constraints.
- The text implies a general trend without acknowledging regional or cultural differences that might have influenced the prevalence and perception of hitchhiking.
- The text does not ...
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Hitchhiking during Depression in 1930s to find work
During the 1930s, the severe economic downturn led many to utilize hitchhiking as a legitimate means of transportation across the United States. This practice gained respect among the public and was not just seen as desperation, but rather as a sign of determination to seek employment.
More sympathy and respectability
Hitchhikers of the era often went to great lengths to differentiate themselves from the homeless and transient population, sometimes referred to as "hobos." They did this by dressing in a manner that would signal to others that they were upstanding individuals in unfortunate circumstances, rather than people simply looking for a handout.
Example: dressing respectable to differentiate from "hobos"
The strategy was to "dress for the job you want, not the job you have," which translated in a hitchhiker’s case to "dress for the ride you want." By wearing clean-cut attire, such as suits and hats, hitchhikers increased their chances of obtaining a ride and displayed a level of self-respect that ap ...
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Hitchhiking during Depression in 1930s to find work
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Clarifications
- "Hobos" were individuals who traveled by hopping freight trains and often lived a transient lifestyle during the Great Depression. They were distinct from hitchhikers who sought rides from motorists to travel. Hobos were typically associated with a more permanent state of homelessness and a reliance on train networks for transportation, while hitchhikers were often individuals seeking temporary assistance to reach a specific destination. The term "hobo" carried connotations of a more entrenched and marginalized existence compared to the more temporary and goal-oriented nature of hitchhiking during the 1930s.
- "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have" is a popular saying that emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself in a way that aligns with one's aspirations rather than current circumstances. It suggests that by dressing professionally or in a manner suitable for a higher position, one can convey ambition and readiness for advancement. In the context of hitchhiking during the Great Depression, this advice was adapted to encourage individuals to dress in a way that would attract rides from drivers, reflecting a sense of respectability and purpose.
- The Institute of Public Opinion was a polling organization established by George Gallup in the 1930s. It played a significant role in shaping public opinion by conducting surveys on various social and political issues. Gallup's innovative polling methods revolutionized the field of market research and political polling, providing valuable insights into public sentiment during the Great Depression and beyond.
- Du ...
Counterarguments
- While hitchhiking was common, it was not universally seen as respectable, and some people still associated it with vagrancy or unreliability.
- The notion that hitchhiking was a sign of determination could be romanticized, overlooking the desperation and lack of options faced by many during the Depression.
- Dressing in respectable attire might not have been feasible for all individuals seeking work, as not everyone had access to such clothing, especially those who were already impoverished.
- The strategy of "dressing for the ride you want" assumes that appearance alone could overcome the stigma or distrust associated with hitchhiking, which may not have been the case for everyone.
- The statistic that 43% of Americans viewed hitchhiking favorably still implies that a majority, or 57%, did not view it favorably or were indifferent, which suggests that hitchhiking was not universally accepted.
- Positive public perception ...
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Patriotic duty to pick up soldiers hitchhiking in WWII
During World War II, American servicemen often found themselves hitchhiking while on leave from their duties. It was a common sight to see soldiers thumbing on the side of the road, looking for a lift to their next destination. Within the ethos of the time, picking up these hitchhiking servicemen was seen as more than a mere act of kindness; it was regarded as fulfilling a patriotic duty.
Citizens who offered rides to these service members were participating in a national effort, supporting the war not only through rations and bond purchases bu ...
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Patriotic duty to pick up soldiers hitchhiking in WWII
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Clarifications
- During World War II, American servicemen often had limited transportation options while on leave, leading them to hitchhike to reach their destinations. This practice was common due to the scarcity of personal vehicles and the need to conserve resources for the war effort. Hitchhiking was a way for soldiers to move around quickly and efficiently, relying on the goodwill of civilians for rides. The act of picking up hitchhiking servicemen was viewed as a patriotic duty, symbolizing support for the troops and the collective war effort.
- Rations were a way to ensure fair distribution of essential goods during wartime when resources were scarce. Bond purchases were a form of lending money to the government to fund the war effort, with the promise of repayment with interest after the war. Both rations and bond purchases were ways for civilians to directly contribute to supporting the war financially and ensuring the military had the resources needed to carry out their duties.
- During wartime, a united homefront signifies a collective effort by civili ...
Counterarguments
- While picking up soldiers was seen as a patriotic duty, it could also be argued that it was a reflection of inadequate military transportation arrangements, necessitating reliance on civilian goodwill.
- The notion of a "patriotic duty" may have been leveraged by the government as a form of propaganda to foster a sense of national unity and support for the war, which could overshadow individual choice or safety concerns.
- The emphasis on picking up soldiers as part of the war effort might have inadvertently marginalized other forms of contribution to the war effort that were equally important but less visible.
- The practice of hitchhiking, even for soldiers, carries inherent risks, and the romanticized view of this as a patriotic act may neglect the potential dan ...
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FBI warning of dangers in 1950s
J. Edgar Hoover was a notable figure in promoting the idea that hitchhiking could be dangerous, leading to government warnings and changes in public perception during the 1950s.
High-profile serial killer cases
Hoover leveraged high-profile murders involving hitchhikers to sway public opinion, citing them as examples of hitchhiking’s inherent dangers.
Depicted in movies as cautionary tales
The hosts discuss how media, particularly movies during the 1950s, reinforced the fear of hitchhiking. Films such as "The Hitchhiker," based on Billy Cook's murder spree, depicted hitchhikers as merciless killers, impressing upon the aud ...
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FBI warning of dangers in 1950s
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- J. Edgar Hoover, as the director of the FBI, used high-profile murder cases involving hitchhikers to emphasize the dangers of hitchhiking to the public. By highlighting these cases, Hoover aimed to shape public perception and policy regarding the risks associated with picking up hitchhikers. His efforts contributed to a shift in how hitchhiking was viewed during the 1950s, with a focus on the potential dangers and safety concerns involved. Hoover's influence and the FBI's stance on hitchhiking played a significant role in raising awareness about the perceived risks of this practice.
- "The Hitchhiker" is a 1953 film noir directed by Ida Lupino. It is based on the true story of Billy Cook, a spree killer who murdered six people in 1950. The movie portrays hitchh ...
Counterarguments
- While J. Edgar Hoover and the government issued warnings about hitchhiking, it's important to consider that not all hitchhiking experiences were negative, and many people hitchhiked without incident.
- The change in public perception of hitchhiking in the 1950s could also be attributed to broader societal changes and increasing availability of personal transportation, rather than solely the influence of government warnings.
- Using high-profile murders to highlight the dangers of hitchhiking may have contributed to a culture of fear that disproportionately represented the actual risks involved.
- Movies and media often sensationalize and dramatize events to attract audiences, which can lead to an exaggerated perception of danger that does not always align with reality.
- The portrayal of hitchhikers as merciless killers in films like "The Hitchhiker" could be seen as a form of scapegoating that unfairly stigmatizes individuals who hitchhike for legitimate reasons, such as economic necessity.
- The reinforcement of fear through media could have had negative social consequences, such as reducing the willingness of individuals to help one an ...
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Resurgence with hippies in 1960s
Hitchhiking experienced a renaissance in the 1960s, embraced notably by the hippie movement as an expression of their anti-establishment and anti-consumerist values.
Anti-consumerist ethos and counterculture
In the 1960s, hitchhiking became popular again, particularly within the hippie movement. Hippies saw hitchhiking as an embodiment of trust and kinship, countering mainstream consumer culture by rejecting the idea of personal car ownership. It was an affordable means for those living the hippie lifestyle, who often had limited funds, to traverse the globe.
On the Road and other depictions
Chuck Bryant points out that the era's literature and cinema often featured hitchhiking, bringing attention to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" as a defining portrayal. This novel became emblematic of the freedom and adventurous spirit associated with the act of hitchhiking and the broader ethos of the time.
In their discussions, Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark observe that mo ...
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Resurgence with hippies in 1960s
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hitchhiking in the 1960s was closely linked to the hippie movement, as it aligned with their anti-establishment and anti-consumerist beliefs. Hippies viewed hitchhiking as a way to reject mainstream consumer culture and promote trust and community. It provided an affordable mode of travel for those embracing the hippie lifestyle, emphasizing freedom and adventure. The act of hitchhiking symbolized a departure from traditional norms and a desire for shared experiences over material possessions.
- Jack Kerouac's novel "On the Road" is significant in relation to hitchhiking as it portrays a sense of freedom and adventure associated with the act. The book captures the spirit of the Beat Generation and their rejection of societal norms, making hitchhiking a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity. "On the Road" helped popularize hitchhiking as a mode of travel that represented a break from traditional values and a quest for authenticity. The novel's influence contributed to the romanticized image of hitchhiking during the 1960s counterculture movement.
- In the early portrayals of hitchhiking in movies and books, like "It Happened One Night," the practice was often depicted as innocent and lighthearted. However, as tim ...
Counterarguments
- While hitchhiking was embraced by the hippie movement, it was not exclusive to them and was practiced by a variety of people for different reasons, including economic necessity.
- The romanticization of hitchhiking overlooks the inherent risks and dangers associated with accepting rides from or offering rides to strangers, which can include accidents, crime, and exploitation.
- The anti-consumerist ethos of hitchhiking as practiced by hippies can be critiqued for its potential lack of sustainability and practicality as a widespread transportation solution.
- The portrayal of hitchhiking in literature and cinema may have contributed to a glamorized and unrealistic perception of the practice, which does not always reflect the actual experiences of those who hitchhiked.
- The idealized depiction of hitchhiking in the 1960s may overshadow the experiences of marginalized groups for whom hitchhiking was not a choice but a necessity, and who may have faced discrimination or danger on the road.
- "On the Road" and other cultural depi ...
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Decline in the 1970s
Hitchhiking saw a notable decrease in the 1970s as car ownership became more common and attitudes towards hitchhiking shifted.
More youth able to afford cars
In the early 1970s, while hitchhiking was still somewhat popular among young people, there were signs of decline due to the increased ability for youths to afford their own cars. Car ownership saw a significant rise, from about 50% of American households owning a car in 1941 to 80% less than two decades later. By the 1970s and 1980s, many families had an extra car, often an older model, that teenaged family members could use. During this time, used cars became attainable for a couple of thousand dollars, placing car ownership within the reach of many.
Bad reputation and changing attitudes
The social perception of hitchhiking changed during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to its decline. People who continued to hitchhike due to an inability to afford a car were looked upon unfavorably and often considered to be of a lesser standing. This gave rise to a perception that hitchhikers unable to afford their own vehicles were likely to be "bad news" or socially deviant.
Viewed as lazy if you couldn't afford a car
While the transcript provided doesn't explicitly state that people without cars were seen as lazy, the changing attitudes reflected that being unable to afford a car was increasingly ...
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Decline in the 1970s
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Clarifications
- In the context of a transactional society, the association between free services like hitchhiking and communism stems from the perception that offering or accepting free rides goes against the prevailing capitalist ideology of individual ownership and profit. This connection emerged as societies increasingly valued transactions and viewed services without direct payment as potentially subversive to capitalist principles. The shift towards valuing personal possessions and individual gain over communal sharing led to hitchhiking being seen as contrary to the capitalist ethos, hence drawing parallels with communist ideals. This association contributed to the stigmatization of hitchhiking as it clashed with the emerging cultural norms emphasizing personal ownership and transactional relationships.
- The personal automobile became a private possession not meant for sharing due to the rise of individualism and the cultural shift towards valuing personal ownership over communal use. This shift was influenced by the emergence of a transactional society where free services were associated with communism, leading to a perception that sharing resources like cars was against the prevailing economic ideology. As car ownership became more widespread and affordable, the idea of owning a car for personal use and convenience became deeply ingrained, reinforcing the notion that cars were not meant to be shared with others. This cultural shift contributed to stigmatizing individuals without cars as lazy ...
Counterarguments
- The decline in hitchhiking may not solely be attributed to increased car ownership; other factors such as improvements in public transportation, rising concerns about personal safety, and the advent of new travel options could also have played significant roles.
- The perception of hitchhikers as lazy or socially deviant may be an overgeneralization and could ignore the diverse reasons why individuals might choose to hitchhike, such as environmental concerns, a sense of adventure, or community building.
- The association of free services with communism and the resulting stigma might not have been universally accepted or influential in all communities, and some people may have continued to view hitchhiking as a viable and socially responsible mode of transportation.
- The idea that people without cars were viewed as lazy overlooks the economic realities of the time, including the impact of the 1970s oil crisis ...
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