What is a Hipster?
Lately, in popular culture, an almost new breed of human seems to have emerged. This new sub-species has been labeled as ‘hipster’. Mostly what can be noted is that the hipster species likes modern things with a vintage vibe also attached. Also apparently they enjoy adding a fancy, rustic vibe onto things like water and pickles. Which is fine, but what does it all mean? The actual presented definition of what exactly a hipster is quite contradictory.
Google defines a hipster as “a person who follows the latest trends in fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream.” Therefore a hipster can be basically anyone who follows the trends creatively. Yet hipsters seem to be attached to a weird stereotype that implies they hate mainstream products. So the difference is that one definition is for the mainstream, and the other against it. So there are definitely conflicting views on what exactly a hipster is and or is not.
The term ‘hipster’ originated from the 1940s. At the time, the term was used for a subculture which originated due to the jazz music genre. The precise knowledge on how the word came about is unknown. Yet Micar states that it might have “came from the word “hip” meaning “in the know”. On dictionary.com it states the term could have come from the term hepcat, which is an admirer of jazz. This connotation is important because the usage of the word still presents some of the same idea. The current hipsters are involved in the mainstream while maintaining a unique viewpoint.
Being a hipster has transitioned into a new meaning within the twenty-first century. What is most notable about the subculture is the very specific style of their fashion. The style consists of mixing pieces from different time periods into one outfit. The concept is great and appears to be quirky and fun. Some popular fashion pieces are bowties, suspenders, and boots. Pairing an oversized plaid shirt over a thin graphic tee also is very popular. It gives off a grunge sort of look, especially when paired with a beanie. All said, the hipsters have an interesting idea on fashion sense. This is only one way they choose to express their chosen lifestyle.
Lifestyle is also an important aspect when analyzing hipsters. The stereotypical view is that they drink espresso and eat organic food. The stigma with pure food is something that hipsters are actually involved with. Yet it seems to be more of a sustainable, naturalistic approach to food and the preparation of it. It is a careful and detail oriented art. The Huffingtonpost says that hipsters “take their food very seriously.” Hipster food seems to be some simplistic ingredients executed with fine details. A good example of this might be the rose avocado toast. The execution and presentation is very important. Yet it also maintains a simplistic beauty around it.
Hipsters appear to be very interesting creatures amongst us. Whether or not they are a living in a stereotype relies fully on your own opinion. Yet one does have to admit that hipsters possess an air of intrigue about them. They manage to look thrifty and yet trendy at the same time. Hipsters also are advocates for traveling and life experienced in beautiful moments. Hipsters also bring an interesting spin to the current food scene. They seem to take the expected and turn it upside down into something new and yet is still familiar. Hipsters do not have to be shoved together in a clump of stereotypes. Each person can adopt what they like from popular culture and develop it for themselves further. Though if you do decide to make a transformation you are not required to become a hipster.
Bibliography:
The definition of hipster. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2016, from http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hipster
Where Did the Hipster Come From? (2015). Retrieved June 19, 2016, from http://www.micar.com/origins-of-the-hipster/
Spiegel, A. (2014, April 15). The 22 Most Hipster Foods On The Planet. Retrieved June 19, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/hipster-food_n_5146632.html
