Abbie Hoffman

Profession… leader of the Youth International Party (known as the “Yippies”). Hoffman, along with Jerry Rubin, are the frontmen for the social activist group, which is characterized as being full of hippies who love to do drugs, have sex, listen to rock music, and protest the establishment. Hoffman is not concerned that cops may overact to their protests. In fact, he says he’s counting on it.

Interests… comedy and sending a message. Hoffman is an excellent comedian, often doing stand-up shows, where he intertwines his own political ideology with comedy. 

Relationship Status… involved. Although Hoffman often gets involved with many women in Yippies in various cities, he is in a long-term relationship.

Challenge… successfully proving his innocence and sending a message to end the Vietnam War. Hoffman is accused of inciting a riot that led to many injuries, destruction of property, and conflict with the Chicago police. This riot came about when the Yippies and other activist groups went to Chicago to protest the Democratic National Convention, which was going to elect a new delegate that would prolong the sending of American troops to Vietnam. Hoffman, along with the leaders of the parties (the “Chicago Seven”) are all on trial and could face prison time.

Personality… impulsive, funny, and charismatic. Hoffman understands that many people look up to him and he tries to lead them down the right path. He wants to lead a cultural revolution, starting with ending the Vietnam War and bringing back American troops. He inspires people and eloquently defends himself: “We carried certain ideas across state lines. Not machine guns or drugs or little girls. Ideas. When we crossed from New York to New Jersey to Pennsylvania to Ohio to Illinois, we had certain ideas. And for that, we were gassed, beaten, arrested, and put on trial.”