"I think they'd laugh at being called "victims.""

I'm more than happy to retract that term. I agree, it's way too strong.

But I also think, at least from what I've gleaned from some of the commentary here, that post war America was a time where not conforming to the ideal stereotype, was perceived as rather subversive.

I think it's easier to feel comfortable in one's box, whatever shape that be, if it is the right shape. And for that, one needs to feel able to make a choice. Even if 'counter-culture' is just another 'box' (and I agree, that we all wear some kind of uniform, including hippies), at least there is some self determinism involved, and these days it's much easier to make choices without being labeled 'commie' or 'subversive' or 'freak'.

As such, I think I can understand just how liberating the hippie movement must have been, for those who found expected conformity to stereotypical ideals of social normalcy, no kind of choice at all.