Shawyer dissertation May 2008 final version - The University of ...

informationmeditationexperiencefuntrustrehearsalsdramahorseshitMeetings are notputting people down. (Revolution 16)Frustrated with the orderly proceedings of New Left assemblies, the Yippies embracedthis free-form model. At typical Yippies meetings, however, chaos was the most commonresult: “there were no motions, no votes, only discussions, arguments” (David Farber,Chicago 28). The Yippies didn’t mind; they regarded anarchy as good theatrical energy,which, when released in public spaces, revolutionized and radicalized people. TheYippies’ core value of do-your-own-thing exemplifies this anarchic theatrical energy.Time and time again, they set this energy loose on the streets of New York, at the Yip-In,and at their public meetings in Union Square. With these repeated anarchic and theatricalgatherings, they performed their do-your-own-thing philosophy for an audience ofpassers-by, and their fellow hippies and activists.The Grand Central Station Yip-In therefore was just another in a series ofeveryday life performances by the Yippies. It showcased for the media, police, and142