Anti-Materialism: The Idea that Spurred Movements
Anti-Materialism was not only against material objects, as the name suggests, but the idea included a rejection of many cultural values as well. The primary objective of those who followed the anti-materialist agenda was to defy cultural and social norms. The following movements had their roots in the notion of anti-materialism: Transcendentalism, the Lost Generation, the Beat Movement, and the Counter-Culture movement. These movements were all connected; they began for similar reasons and each one spurred the next. Transcendentalism began because many believed that society's institutions corrupted the purity of the individual. This led to their belief that people are at their best when they're independent and close with nature. For this reason, transcendentalists rejected many material goods and favored nature. Similarly, after WWI, society became corrupt by the pursuit of self-indulgences, and the Lost Generation writers appeared as a result. The Beat Movement also evolved from corruption; society shunned alternative sexualities, especially members of the gay and transgender communities, and the Beatniks wanted to change that. Counter-culture supporters were protesting for women's rights and against war. The term "Anti-Materialism" encompasses the millions of people who set out to change society. By sharing their radical views, they impacted human rights in America for the better.