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Infamous Person Research Paragraph

Quinn Zelinski

Legal Studies Academy, First Colonial High School

LSA Honors English 9

Mrs. Barbara Duncan

May 7th, 2021

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Counter-culture activist, Abbie Hoffman, is well-known for his unconventional methods

of protest and demonstration. His efforts to attract people to societal and governmental problems

were described as ridiculous and extravagant, but also successful (Hoffman, Abbot (“Abbie”),

1999). One of his more well-known stunts is the protest at the Democratic National Convention

in 1968 alongside other anti-Vietnam War group leaders. Hoffman and his Yippie Party were

holding a “Festival of Life” in Lincoln Park. Abbie and the other leaders were arrested once the

demonstrations turned violent, which was later proven to have been started by the Chicago

Police Department (Holloway, 2013). The eight leaders arrested would later participate in “The

Trial of the Chicago Seven.” At the first trial, five of the defendants (including Abbie) were

convicted of crossing state borders with the intention of violently protesting (Hoffman, Abbot

(“Abbie”, 1999). Abbie was also charged with 159 counts of contempt of court by Judge Julius

Hoffman (no relation), who was later proven to be incompetent. The defendants appealed and

won their second trial in 1972 (Hoffman, Abbot (“Abbie”, 1999). While in prison, Abbie self

published one of his more famous novels “Steal This Book.” The opening lines of the book are,

“It’s perhaps fitting that I write this introduction in jail…” Publishers and distributors refused to

take in the book as it revolved around unlawful undertakings, such as theft and bomb-making

(Hoffman, Abbot (“Abbie”, 1999). Shortly after the release of “Steal This Book,” Hoffman was

arrested for having cocaine in high volume, but contended that he was innocent. Abbie did not

appear at his trial after making bail, and it was later learned he went into hiding (Abbie Hoffman,

1998). Under the alias “Barry Freed,” Abbie was able to keep protesting and fighting for what he

believed in, although his focus shifted to environmental issues. He confessed to the charges after

six years and served four months in prison. Abbie Hoffman was, and will remain, one of the
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most influential activists of his time. Although many of his demonstrations were illegal, they

were all fueled by the right purpose.

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References

Abbie Hoffman. (2013). In St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture Online. Gale.

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/K2419200549/BIC?u=vbcps&sid=BIC&xid=1cc0344f

Hoffman, Abbott (“Abbie”). (1999). In K. T. Jackson, K. Markoe, & A. Markoe (Eds.), The

Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives (Vol. 2, pp. 422-424). Charles Scribner's Sons.

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX2874500234/BIC?u=vbcps&sid=BIC&xid=08cb3da5

Holloway, David. (2013). Yippies. In St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture Online. Gale.

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/XDLUAJ702014443/UHIC?u=vbcps&sid=UHIC&xid=89

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