Is there a point to being a Hipster? I'm sorry I just don't get it...

[AshlandBump]

Originally Posted by Bobbofallenstar

aging hipster is worse. I'm 40 and I like finding new music - it's a fine line.

Worse yet, I'm 47 and I've only missed one Pitchfork (midwest hipster heaven?) festival. Why? Because I like the music. Does it have to amount to anything more than that? I agree about the skinny jeans and facial hair - if someone judges me for it - oh well. The only ones at that festival that make me laugh or those who are going out of their way to be what someone else would think is cool.

It's always seemed to me that the most countercultural approach, whether for hippies or hipsters or whoever, is not to care what others do or what they wear. Someone said "judge not lest ye be judged." How radical.

[CharAznable]

Originally Posted by starfish

At least we had actual hipsters back then...

Actual hipsters. You probably haven't heard of them.

[Jahn]

I just realized the source of all the modern hipster angst. It comes from having generations of this stuff coming at you throughout your formative years.

[Space Hammer]

Originally Posted by Jahn

I just realized the source of all the modern hipster angst. It comes from having generations of this stuff coming at you throughout your formative years.

I'm afraid it goes further than that, to fully understand the evolutionary progress of the Hipster please view the following:

[TobyManhattan]

Originally Posted by SinglecutGuy

I'm 25, and I work at a music shop, so I see quite a few of these "hipsters". I just don't get it. I really don't. To me, it's just an effort to be different, and to assume that your relevance in society is contributed to and based from the offsetting choices of clothing and lifestyle.

What's the point of wearing clothes that don't fit, accessories that don't match and are completely loud and irrelevant for only the sake of being loud and irrelevant, piercing random parts of your face, and taking an approach to looking like you're homeless, or that you shop and/or live in a dumpster? Follow that with no appearing self-respect, or any concern for a career or responsible future in society.

I've seen too many beautiful girls that hide underneath a pile of rags that are attracted to the same homeless appeal in males who have no view of responsibility or decorum, and feel that working at a gas station is a fulfilling career. It seems that their inability to further themselves in society is their false sense of security. They want everything handed to them, as they choose that they don't need to work for a future, but then blame the "system" when they can't afford to pay their bills.

What happened to waking up in the morning, taking a shower, grooming, wearing respectable age-appropriate clothing that both fits and shows a sense of maturity and class, and attempting to find a mate who also shares this sense of responsibility and self-worth?

I'm sorry guys. No offense to any Hipsters here, but I just don't get the homeless/filthy/disheveled approach. I'm sure this is how parents felt in the 60's with the counter-culture movement, but I'm just sick of seeing it. the big 80s black rim glasses just have to go.

I think the Hipster movement was started by the Goodwill marketing team that was facing a surplus of dirty and bad clothing that no one was buying.

They're doing what they want to do, and they enjoy and feel comfortable doing it. They're also not hurting anybody. Probably very similar to yourself except you showered and wear different clothes.

You'd be pretty bummed if we all walked around looking exactly the same, playing the same music, eating the same food and having the same favourite colour, I bet.

If it's really a huge deal, let them know how you feel. If they don't know you feel that way, things won't change. Odds are they'll just stop coming to the store though.

[27sauce]

Originally Posted by dave s

Ironic that my older son behaved similarly. Unfortunately it was the 'goth look' at the time. He graduated HS in '06 and college last December.

Kid was a former football player with a bright future as a tight end with offers from regional colleges. At 6' 5" and 270 lbs, the kid looked like the Sears Tower walking down the street in a black trench coat. His imposing size and appearance literally scared most people.

My advice to him was always the same: Son, at some point in time, you'll have to join the REAL world if you want to get anywhere in life and enjoy any level of success at anything but painting your fingernails black. You might as well make that time TODAY!!!

He now looks presentable, no longer dresses like an idiot, has a good job, a wonderful girlfriend and is simply a joy to be around ... even at 23!

Kids do what they thing is right for them at the time and really don't see very far down the road. The good news is that MOST kids eventually 'get it.'

dave

???


With all due respect, and I mean with all due respect, its a good thing all parents aren't like you.

[Thinline_slim]

Originally Posted by 27sauce

???


With all due respect, and I mean with all due respect, its a good thing all parents aren't like you.

I'm not real sure as to where the big parenting faux paus is in his statement?

[27sauce]

Originally Posted by Thinline_slim

I'm not real sure as to where the big parenting faux paus is in his statement?

No faux paus, just glad there are different kinds of parents.

Wouldn't it be a shame if some of the great artists, musicians, writers... got the "Get a haircut, get a real job" talk, and listened to them?

My parents supported whatever I did, accepted me for how ever I dressed... I took my path, and did what I wanted to do... and now I play guitar for a living, and make a pretty good living at it. I am so glad that no one tried to get me to shape up and get a real job.

[TobyManhattan]

Originally Posted by Thinline_slim

I'm not real sure as to where the big parenting faux paus is in his statement?

The part where he wanted his kid to stop outwardly expressing how he feels and start blending in with everyone else.

It's especially funny coming from a musician.

It's why there are so many threads on copying tones rather than threads on being excited about the new sound they came up with. Everyone wants to act and talk like they think outside the box, but they don't. They probably haven't even seen outside the box, and if they had, it would scare the sh*t out of them.

How comical is it that we've evolved this far and accomplished so much, but black nail polish or long hair still give people a preconceived notion of someone's personality.

It's not his fault though, he probably just wants the best for his son and doesn't want him to have to put up with the criticisms of the rest of the world. Which is of course understandable.

[axuality.com]

Originally Posted by 27sauce

???


With all due respect, and I mean with all due respect, its a good thing all parents aren't like you.

I disagree.

[Thinline_slim]

Originally Posted by 27sauce

No faux paus, just glad there are different kinds of parents.

Wouldn't it be a shame if some of the great artists, musicians, writers... got the "Get a haircut, get a real job" talk, and listened to them?

My parents supported whatever I did, accepted me for how ever I dressed... I took my path, and did what I wanted to do... and now I play guitar for a living, and make a pretty good living at it. I am so glad that no one tried to get me to shape up and get a real job.

Originally Posted by TobyManhattan

The part where he wanted his kid to stop outwardly expressing how he feels and start blending in with everyone else.

It's especially funny coming from a musician.

It's why there are so many threads on copying tones rather than threads on being excited about the new sound they came up with. Everyone wants to act and talk like they think outside the box, but they don't. They probably haven't even seen outside the box, and if they had, it would scare the sh*t out of them.

How comical is it that we've evolved this far and accomplished so much, but black nail polish or long hair still give people a preconceived notion of someone's personality.

It's not his fault though, he probably just wants the best for his son and doesn't want him to have to put up with the criticisms of the rest of the world. Which is of course understandable.

I can get on board with you guys greatly. Allow your kids to express themselves and be creative at every corner.

At some point though most of the pack will realize that they are not going to be a part of that elite 2% of creative group who will be full time professionals at what they want to do, which is where I think the bolded piece comes into play.

I have two very little girls and I'll be honest, like every other parent out there, the future doesn't look exceptionally bright right now. With the ever increasing number of unemployed kids right out of college and high school there is a part of me that says, if you're looking for a regular job, those are the rules you need to play by.

[Pedro Bogus]

I was visiting close friends for a weekend. Setting at the table, having a mixed beverage and BS'sng. I mention that I want a new sound system and sub for my truck. Their 21 year old daughter (with 1 child) sneers and says "You are 40 years old, what-a-ya wanna be, a hipster douchebag? You are just missing the tribal arm band tat."

Well okay. No subwoofer for the truck and no tribal arm band tatoo. Got it.

[pokey]

Originally Posted by Pedro Bogus

I was visiting close friends for a weekend. Setting at the table, having a mixed beverage and BS'sng. I mention that I want a new sound system and sub for my truck. Their 21 year old daughter (with 1 child) sneers and says "You are 40 years old, what-a-ya wanna be, a hipster douchebag? You are just missing the tribal arm band tat."

Well okay. No subwoofer for the truck and no tribal arm band tatoo. Got it.

Being the smartass that I am I would have said something like, "beats being a kid with a kid"

[SouthernShred]

If I see one more V neck t shirt and pair of skinny jeans I'm going to smack someone...If you were intended to wear women's clothes you would have been born with a vagina...have some self respect!!!

[Jahn]

Originally Posted by Pedro Bogus

I was visiting close friends for a weekend. Setting at the table, having a mixed beverage and BS'sng. I mention that I want a new sound system and sub for my truck. Their 21 year old daughter (with 1 child) sneers and says "You are 40 years old, what-a-ya wanna be, a hipster douchebag? You are just missing the tribal arm band tat."

Well okay. No subwoofer for the truck and no tribal arm band tatoo. Got it.

wanting a nice sound system for your truck? really, that's hipster? wow, that must be ironic on such a high level that even the truck owner doesn't get how hipster it is.

however, it WOULD be totally awesome if you bought a fixed gear bike and started wearing scarves in summer and grew a mountain man beard with matching paul bunyan hat - and had NO idea any of it was "hipster." that's just Cool imho!

Personally, I think it's time for a road trip to Williamsburg in your truck so you can party here: