Hipster Phenomenon
The Hipster Phenomenon
Alexa Anello
LIM College
The first thing that hits me is the overwhelming smell of alcohol (most likely whiskey and Pabst Blue Ribbon), body odor and a hint of urine. Next is the Smith’s blaring from speakers towards the back of the “dance floor” hooked up to the DJ’s Mac laptop and finally the flannels. Almost everyone in the room has on some type of flannel shirt, blouse or scarf rolled up just enough to give a sneak peek of their full sleeve tattoos. Yes, I have found myself in a hipster dive bar in the center of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Living in the East Village of New York City, I have been forced to examine the question; Am I a hipster? Even contemplating the question is ironic in itself because it seems as though no one will admit to being a part of this tragically trendy, cigarette smoking subculture. I find myself immersing every aspect of my life in the hipster culture while rejecting it all at the same time. What is the cultural significance of this hipster phenomenon? Do hipsters mirror American culture in the sense they are a group of broke 20 something’s lost in the melting pot? There are many different views in our society today about this particular sub culture but no one seems to be able to pin point the impact it is having on our culture. The significance of the hipster phenomenon proves to be an iconic American subculture defining a generation through their societal views, fashion and lifestyle propensities.
Nostalgia plays a large role in the views of the hipster. Being apart of Generation Y, the current hipster has prolonged childhood as long as possible. Some call it lazy, others are calling it a social revolution but the question here is, why? Why are people getting married later? Why are 26 year olds still living with their parents? “Maybe it’s only now, when young people are allowed to forestall adult obligations without fear of public censure, that the rate of societal maturation can finally fall into better
Alexa Anello
LIM College
The first thing that hits me is the overwhelming smell of alcohol (most likely whiskey and Pabst Blue Ribbon), body odor and a hint of urine. Next is the Smith’s blaring from speakers towards the back of the “dance floor” hooked up to the DJ’s Mac laptop and finally the flannels. Almost everyone in the room has on some type of flannel shirt, blouse or scarf rolled up just enough to give a sneak peek of their full sleeve tattoos. Yes, I have found myself in a hipster dive bar in the center of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Living in the East Village of New York City, I have been forced to examine the question; Am I a hipster? Even contemplating the question is ironic in itself because it seems as though no one will admit to being a part of this tragically trendy, cigarette smoking subculture. I find myself immersing every aspect of my life in the hipster culture while rejecting it all at the same time. What is the cultural significance of this hipster phenomenon? Do hipsters mirror American culture in the sense they are a group of broke 20 something’s lost in the melting pot? There are many different views in our society today about this particular sub culture but no one seems to be able to pin point the impact it is having on our culture. The significance of the hipster phenomenon proves to be an iconic American subculture defining a generation through their societal views, fashion and lifestyle propensities.
Nostalgia plays a large role in the views of the hipster. Being apart of Generation Y, the current hipster has prolonged childhood as long as possible. Some call it lazy, others are calling it a social revolution but the question here is, why? Why are people getting married later? Why are 26 year olds still living with their parents? “Maybe it’s only now, when young people are allowed to forestall adult obligations without fear of public censure, that the rate of societal maturation can finally fall into better
References: Henig, R. M. (2012, August 18). What is it about 20-somethings?. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?pagewanted=10&_r=1&adxnnlx=1334163640-ohoQn0Eig1EMd8mFHC9O3g Hira, N. A. (2007, May 15). Attracting the twentysomething worker. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/05/28/100033934/ Greif, M. (2010, November 12). The hipster in the mirror. Retrieved from Mavrody, N. (2012, April 05). Wwd 's vile tribute to grunge and kurt cobain. Retrieved from http://www.thefashionspot.com/buzz-news/latest-news/173149-wwds-tribute-to-grunge-and-kurt-cobain http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/books/review/Greif-t.html?pagewanted=2&_r=3&ref=review Wilson, M. (2012, March 02). What McDonald’s and IKEA would look like, if reborn as hipster brands. Retrieved from http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669321/what-mcdonalds-and-ikea-would-look-like-if-reborn-as-hipster-brands