John Lennon’s name has always been associated with peace and humanity. A former member of The Beatles, Lennon had been a part of one of the most “commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music.” What was distinct about Lennon was his view on politics. Lennon’s ideas on peace, freedom and love were so popular; it made it possible for him to amass millions of followers.
During the Vietnam War, Lennon made use of his influence to promote anti-war messages. According to the BBC News,
‘”Lennon was a great influence on many people at a formative time in their lives” says Bill Harry, author of The John Lennon Encyclopaedia…”Lennon’s work fighting for peace and an end to the Vietnam War struck a chord with a whole generation,” says Harry.
Four years after the Beatles were awarded MBEs in 1965, Lennon returned his in protest at the British government’s support for the Vietnam War.
Considered naive and idealistic by the media, Lennon and wife Ono, a Japanese avant-garde artist, devoted their combined talents to campaigning for world peace.”
In 1969 they staged their famous “bed-in for peace” publicity stunts; they spent a week in bed at hotels in Amsterdam and Montreal, receiving the press.’
The famous Bed-Ins for Peace was their non violent ways of protesting wars and promoting peace. The term was derived from the term “sit-in” whereby a group of protestors remain seated in front of the area to protest against whatever it is they are unhappy about.
During the Bed-In for Peace, both John Lennon and Yoko Ono simply talked about peace in their bed. There were signs above their heads which read “Hair Peace” and “Bed Peace”. According to Lennon, they were “like angels” because contrary to what was witnessed, the press had actually anticipated the couple to partake in inappropriate sexual acts, based on the previous outlandish stunts committed by the both in the past.
John Lennon’s influence on peace was exemplified by his music. Even today, songs like Give Peace a Chance and Imagine are still widely celebrated and are commonly used for anti-war purposes. Lennon has created a legacy for himself and by the looks of it; it is going to stay for a long time.
“My role in society, or any artist’s or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.” John Lennon