>
>I arrived in the US in 1974, from Australia and NZ, and stayed two
>years, moving on to the UK. It struck me immediately that there
>was much *less* of an active counterculture in the US than I was
>used to, and what there was was mostly driven by black activism
>rather than anything to do with the war. The communal values that
>were being promoted as radical alternatives either came from Afro-
>American culture or were perceived as doing so.

While Vietnam "fell" in 1975, American troops were generally out in 1973, and
the major anti-war demonstrations were over by then.

As Warren Belasco points out in "Appetite for Change," the commune period was
1971-72. That you found little in 1974 doesn't surprise me and it seems that
this supports my original statements.

During the mid-70s, black power was a major focus, but I don't recall that it
had many food dimensions other than inventing "soul food" and creating culinary
traditions for Kwanza. (Okay-- you can all jump on this)

>
>I don't think the social movements of the late 60s and 70s would have
>been very different if the Vietnam War had never happened.

We disagree. I don't think the social movements of the '60s and '70s would not
have taken the turns that they did without the Vietnam War. The war radicalized
people. Once people lost faith in one aspect of the "system," it was easier to
question other aspects and justify violent action, a la the Weathermen, and
SDS. And violence turned many Americans against the radicals.

Andy Smith