The Sixties exposed in Taking Him to the Streets and The Dharma BumsIt is not possible to undertake a study of the Sixties in America without knowing the struggles for social change . From civil rights to free speech, civil disobedience and nonviolent protest became a central part of 1960s culture, albeit representative of only a small portion of the population. As Mario Savio, leader of the Free Speech Movement (FSM), wrote in an essay in 1964: “The most exciting things happening in America today are movements to change America” (“Takin' it to the Streets” , 115). His essay is critical of those who maintain the status quo and oppose change in America. It seems quite obvious that change came about as a result of the efforts of this highly vocal minority and few would argue that these changes were not good and right, however historical perspective allows us to also consider the "flaws" and contradictions of this subculture of the Sixty. It is quite ironic that a group so dedicated to fighting for social change can also be part of a resistance to change in other aspects of the same society or can be part of maintaining the status quo. Savio further stated, “The most crucial problems facing the United States today are the problem of automation and the problem of racial injustice” (113). A group seeking to change America, Savio and the minority he represents appear to both support and resist change. While fighting for a change in attitudes and treatment of racial minorities, the group also opposed automation. It seems obvious that automation has been a highly instrumental force in changing American society, and opposing automation would seem like clear resistance to change. While the opinions... in the middle of the paper... in 1968, Reagan condemned student militants, saying, "There has been a general incitement against properly constituted law enforcement and a general trampling of the will, rights and of the free movement of the majority by the organized, militant, and highly vocal minority” (“Takin it to the Streets,” 346). It seems rather obvious today that “the large and thoughtful majority of citizens” that Reagan referred to in the same speech is not always right in his beliefs and that the laws that have been created by this majority, as well as their application are not always right. Works cited Biner, Pierre Taking it to the streets: a reader of the sixties, pp 288-293. ed. Alexander Bloom and Wini Breines. New York: Pengiun Books, 1958.