The Revolution as a Trip: Symbol and Paradox

Abstract

Selective interpretation of reality and unifica tion of opposing and paradoxical elements are among the func tions of symbol and ritual. In this paper, paradoxes are seen as resulting from the beliefs and actions of a small group of student political leaders involved in a university strike during May, 1970. The concept of "revolution as a trip" is exam ined as a paradox emanating from the conflict between their cultural and political goals. Another paradox developed because of the collapse of their political efforts, which was masked and encompassed by shaping the strike into a drama tization of youth as a subculture or counterculture. Their rituals and symbols are seen as providing a sense of coherence and integrity within their ideology and allowing them to experience congruence between their beliefs and actions.