Hipsteria

     So the internet, as you know, is a very vast place. For no particular reason this morning, I came across some hipster instagram accounts that just popped up in my recommended, and it got me wondering about where the idea of hipsters originated, which of course spawned a huge spiral of me googling the definition of a hipster and then looking up pictures of quote-unquote hipsters and hipster lifestyle, and now because I have no other logical outlet for my findings, I decided to make a blog post about this modern counterculture that we've come to know as the hipster lifestyle, or as I've dubbed it, Hipsteria.
     According to Urban Dictionary, a hipster is defined as "a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence and witty banter". I didn't think that was conclusive enough, so I browsed through a few other definitions, and here are some tid-bits I picked up:

-"Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitude of mainstream consumers, and are often seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions."

-"Someone who listens to bands you've never heard of, wears ironic tee-shirts, and believes they are better than you."

-"A hipster is someone who is smart enough to talk about philosophy, music, politics, art, etc. with you all day long, but not smart enough to see how big of a tool s/he is. The only sure fire way to tell if someone you're talking to is, in fact, a hipster is to ask them "are you a hipster?". If they respond no, and then turn their cassette player back on, you can be sure you're dealing with a hipster."

-"An unwashed and ungroomed person who hates corporations and everything mainstream, yet still buys Apple products."

-"Aged indie kids, Hipsters still maintain the air of snobbery, still shop at Salvation Army, and still have a completely astonishing array of knowledge when it comes to obscure music, pop-culture non-sequiturs, and political sneers. Absolutely a blast to be friends with, hell to be enemies of, hipsters are the most bi-polar of all the stereotypes when it comes to how they treat you. Can be recognized by books like The Clockwork Orange, Everything Is Illuminated, or obscure philosophy by authors akin to Dostoevsky."



     So what I'm getting from all this--aside from the fact that Urban Dictionary can be pretty darned hilarious and ironic--is that for some reason, people really seem to hate hipsters. Now I've never identified as a hipster, but I do actually fit many of the hipster stereotypes (I listen to obscure bands and dress in thrift shop clothing and proscribe as a nonconformist). Plus, apparently if you're a hipster, you don't think you are one, so maybe I'm a hipster and everyone secretly dislikes me and thinks that I'm an elitist? Plus, I kind of like the hipster counter culture. All the pictures I found in my useless internet hipster journey are really cool and appealing. I love the bohemian style and the appreciation for art and wacky music. I guess what I'm saying is I enjoy the aesthetic of hipster culture, and I kind of like the idea of Hipsteria, even if everyone thinks it's pretentious. Because I'm so interested in Hipsteria, I made a word collage (don't make fun, I know it's lame) of things that I personally associate with hipsters (many of which are things I, myself, enjoy).

I'm sure that's just a small sampling of all things hipster, but those were just the first things that came to my mind.

     On that note, I'd also like to share some of the pictures of Hipster culture that I came across in my search, along with brief annotations.

Here are some hipsters enjoying a vintage lifestyle on top of a roof in France.
Notice that the one looking out of binoculars looks a LOT like Joey Graceffa. Also notice the tight jeans, fedora, bicycle, and
general vintage aesthetic common to hipsters. 

Here's a great example of the typical hipster hair style, known as the undercut, as well as the
multi-tattoo aesthetic typical of hipsters. And of course that lovely waxed mustache. 

Another very typical example of a hipster male, complete with beard, man-jewelry, tattoo, and undercut. 

So here's basically my dream home, a typical hipster cottage with hardwood architecture, forest location,
patchwork quilt, bright colors, books, artwork, and vinyl records and record player. 

Here's the typical urban hipster with his tight jeans, hipster facial hair, and bicycle. 

Here is a lineup of loafers most commonly associated with hipsters. Also note that they're all totally cute and
I absolutely want a pair. These shoes are worn by men and women hipsters alike. 

A perfect specimen of upscale hipster fashion and lifestyle. Note the facial hair, button ups, glasses, fedoras, and bow ties akin to typical hipsters. 

Here's the more casual boho hipster style, denim, graphic tee, leggings, combat boots, and of course,
beanie cap.

     So there you have it folks. I wasted my morning researching this modern counterculture phenomenon that I may or may not be a part of, depending on who you ask. It's been pretty fun. Enjoy the rest of your day. 

-VaughnDL