I think the biggest issue I have with Hipsters is that the very nature of what they are is full of contradictions. Firstly, the Hipster is what I like to call a Pop-Culture Parasite - they take every trend that was ever cool and is now not cool and try to make it cool while seeming like they don't think they're cool when really we all know they think they are cool.
They have stolen:
- the 90's converse shoes
- their little sister's skinny jeans
- the emo's fringe
- the nerd's ironic slogan tshirt
- grandma's glasses
- the 50's one-gear vintage bike
- the student's satchel
- the bohemian's rollies
- the redneck's facial hair
- grandpa's cardigan
and given nothing back. How can we possibly call this a 'sub-culture' if it doesn't produce anything remotely resembling 'cultural' itself? The idea itself isn't even original to the 21st century! 'Hipsters' were first conceptualised in the 1940's, referring to those who liked a particular type of jazz music! Hence we have the second contradiction of the Hipster.
My third, final and favourite contradiction of the Hipster is their image. Yes, Mr. Hipster, I see that your cardigan has moth holes in it, you ride a really old bike and look like you had to get your blind grandmother to cut your hair because you are just too cool to work and are therefore too poor to afford anything that isn't at least 4th hand / vintage. But wait Mr. Hipster! We all know you paid at least $400 for those shoes, even if you did do your very best to make them look like you found them in that dumpster you were hiding in because you thought one of your Hipster friends had seen you shopping at Target.
Be alert, not alarmed.
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