Paul Krassner, a celebrated American wordsmith and satirist of great renown, entered this world on April 9, 1932, and his remarkable journey on this earth came to a close on July 21, 2019. This multifaceted individual possessed a remarkable versatility, effortlessly donning various hats throughout his illustrious career, including that of a visionary founder, a meticulous editor, and a prolific contributor to the highly influential freethought magazine, The Realist, which made its debut on the literary scene in 1958.
As the passage of time unfolded, the profound influence of Paul Krassner's creative endeavors on the cultural landscape continued to escalate, his presence becoming an indispensable component of the counterculture movement that defined the tumultuous 1960s. The symbiotic relationship he cultivated with the enigmatic Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, a group renowned for their unorthodox lifestyle and fervent anti-establishment ideology, played a pivotal role in catapulting Krassner to the forefront of the era's cultural and artistic landscape.
Paul Krassner's enduring impact on the world of politics and culture may ultimately be attributed to his pioneering role as a founding member of the Youth International Party, a term that he is widely recognized for having coined. This esteemed organization, affectionately abbreviated as the Yippies, comprised a diverse group of young individuals who boldly endeavored to disrupt the established order and foster a more carefree, unconventional, and liberated society. Through his tireless efforts and visionary leadership within the Yippies, Krassner made a profound and lasting impression on the cultural and political fabric of the 1960s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the era's tumultuous landscape.
Abbie Hoffman
Born on November 30, 1936, Abbie Hoffman was an American social activist, author, and founding member of the Youth International Party, also known as the Yippies.
