Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston (Aug 10, 2009)—Eons.com, the online community for Baby Boomers, today announced the results of its Woodstock 40th Anniversary Survey. The survey sampled the opinions of nearly 2,000 respondents age 45 and over, forming a portrait of a generation that started out breaking the rules…and four decades later continues to shape the world around them. The survey and online group dedicated to sharing memories and reflections about Woodstock are available at www.eons.com/woodstock40th.

“Our members have been anticipating Woodstock’s landmark anniversary for more than a year. This weekend, eons.com welcomes all who experienced the 1960s to celebrate and share their Woodstock stories and connect with peers around this life-changing event,” says Jeff Taylor, Eons CEO and founder. “Boomers will continue to impact society, redefining the norm, but this weekend is all about celebration and reflection.”

Highlights are summarized below.

Boomers’ Real Views on Woodstock, Music and the Hippie Life

• CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) Beat Hendrix as Favorite Performer—Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was the survey’s surprise winner for favorite live performer at Woodstock (77%). Jimi Hendrix, with his famous Star-Spangled Banner rendition and the artist most often linked to Woodstock, was a favorite of only 53% of respondents. The #2 favorite? Creedence Clearwater Revival (72%).
• Which moved us most: Was it the music or the sense of peace?—Nearly half of all respondents (47%) said the music was the most memorable part about Woodstock. Interestingly, those who attended Woodstock said the sense of peace and togetherness (47%) was more memorable than than the music (19%). Overall, 40% said growing up in the ’60s heightened their interest in music as a universal language.
• The hippies made Woodstock—Only 16% of all respondents considered themselves to be hippies in the ’60s, but 60% “wanted to be” or said they were “maybe a little bit, but others wouldn’t have described [them] as a hippie.” Of those who attended Woodstock, 47% called themselves hippies versus 14% of those who did not attend. Today, only 8% of Boomers consider themselves to be, with another 38% proclaiming “sort of.”
• Bell bottom pants and lots of hair dominated the scene—Bell bottoms were a must-have for both genders (80%). While women raved about their very long hair (59%), men sported sideburns (47%) and reminisced about their own long hair (38%).
• “Far Out”—Boomers declared “Far Out” as their most-loved saying (66%) of the 1960’s. The distant second? “Groovy” (48%).

They Have Become “The Man” and Loved Their Careers

• Boomers reached their career aspirations (66%)—Two-thirds of Boomers said they have achieved their career aspirations. In 1969, women’s top goal (32%) was to have a job that could help make a difference, while men (36%) sought a company that would provide good benefits, pensions and security. The beginning of a sea change for women and work was evident as only 22% of women wanted to be a stay-at-home parent. Of those whose careers disappointed, the #1 reason they cited was not making enough money, despite liking their jobs. Over 40% said they have or had a really fun and enjoyable career.

• Boomers still believe the corporate world was and is a “necessary evil”—Are Boomers talking out of both sides of their mouths? While less than half of this generation (42%) gave much thought in the 1960’s to the corporate world, those that did (22%) thought it was a necessary evil. Today, almost all Boomers think about the corporate world (93%) and despite career success, many still feel it is a necessary evil (36%).

Hell No, We Won’t Go!

• More support and less protesting of the war—Only 35% of all respondents participated in an anti-war protest in the ’60s; those that attended Woodstock, however, were twice as likely (66%) to have protested. Two-thirds of those who did not protest (66%) were against the war, but supported the troops in Vietnam. Interestingly, twice as many men (25%) as women said they supported the government’s position. Although 73% said Woodstock did not influence their attitude toward anti-war protesters, 19% said it made them more tolerant.
• Citizen activism has increased with age—While 42% of respondents said they are “much less active today” in anti-war protests, as a generation the Boomers are more involved in activism and community support. One-third (33%) are “much more active today” in volunteerism and nearly 40% are “somewhat more active” in grassroots activism, social organizing and political activism.

The ’60s Shaped Their Generation

• It made them who they are today, but not everyone loved those times—Close to half (45%) said, “I am who I am because of the ’60s,” with 75% claiming that growing up in the ’60s made them a more open-minded person. Over 50% enjoyed those times and would choose to live them over again, while only 9% would happily skip that period of time.
• In 1969, they never would have imagined that in 40 years they would have an African American President (60%)—The top surprise to Boomers surveyed is living to see an African American President of the USA. Other findings? They still enjoy music as much as they did (36%); they enjoy being grandparents (32%); and they as strongly espouse the values of peace, love and community (32%) as they did 40 years ago.
• Did Boomers achieve their ideals as a generation? There is more work to do—Overall, 62% of Boomers said their generation as a whole has not achieved its ideals yet. As one participant stated, “We made more change happen faster than anyone dreamed possible before us. There is still a distance to go, but our impact on the process has been undeniable.”

About Eons™

Eons.com is the online community for spirited BOOMers who want to explore their passions, keep in touch with friends, connect with interesting people to share life experiences and most of all have fun. Founded by Jeff Taylor, creator of Monster.com, Eons, Inc. has attracted a team of renowned advisors and industry-leading partners and is backed by venture capital financing from General Catalyst Partners, Sequoia Capital, Charles River Ventures, Intel Capital, and Humana, Inc. Eons is headquartered in Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston. For more information about Eons, visit eons.com.

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