Hipster. Reminiscent of the 60s,
where anti-establishment was the norm and peace, love, and hair grease was a
well-known mantra. Urban Dictionary states that hipsters are a subculture of
men and women that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive
politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and
witty banter. This culture has been embraced by the youth and exploded with
this non-conformist movement, spanning from fashion and music to even a way of
thinking. Stores such as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie are trailblazing
the fashion and indie labels are monopolizing the music. “Hipster” is now a
culture, an adjective, and just a way of life. The irony of it all is that
hipster culture seems to have become more of a mainstream joke.
The modern hipster culture began as
a movement focusing on original ideals and beliefs. I saw the hipster subculture as a “purity
movement”. They listened to music artists that hadn’t signed away their
originality and sound on the dotted line of their contracts. They wore vintage
clothes and local labels to show support of the unique and not the trend. They didn’t believe everything they were told
and always questioned what was established as the norm or reality. Then the
culture evolved into this superficial “non-popular” popularity contest of who
can be the most uncool, awkward, laid-back and geek chic. I find that many don’t
know how to explain the concept of “hipster” or what its origins are, but they
can spot a “hipster” person a mile away. It has become so popular that calling
someone a “hipster” can be deemed as an insult to a true hipster because of the
commercialized fad it has become. People don’t want to be associated with the
over popularization of the culture, even when their attitudes, clothing, and
demeanor scream it.
As with any culture, there are
those that understand the true meaning and significance and then there are
those that come along for the ride when the popularity gets high. To be or not
to be a hipster: that is the question. I say, let’s eschew the needs for labels
and be human beings that occasionally have some commonality points. Wait, that
might be too “hipster” of me.
All Images Copyrighted by Morgan -O-Donovan
