Senior Ideology: The Role Of Hipsters In Modern Culture

John Karsonovich
Senior Ideology Project
2/11/15
Hipster definition:
In modern culture today, there are many ideologies that classify people as a hipster. The term “Hipster” describes a person who is a part of a modern counterculture movement who pride themselves in being a non-conformist with mainstream consumerism and cultural norms. Hipsters generally live in urban areas, are free thinkers with a rebellious nature, down to earth, artistic, and especially fashionable. A hipster is one “who rejects the dominant values and behavior of society,” and primarily listens to underground music artists, and steers clear of big name-brand clothing. Hipsters are unique with the way they dress, generally wearing vintage clothes found in thrift shops,
In general, everyone should have their own thoughts and beliefs. But, Hipsters typically take it too far and feel as if they have to be “different” in everything that they think and do. A mature member of society realizes that there are things that you should question and that you should not go along with the norm, just to get along. “Hipsters” get caught up in the culture and feel as if they need to question everything. Even those things that make perfect sense. This puts them in a position where they lose credibility. Again, not only is it okay to question those things that you think do not make sense. But, the term “Hipster” instills thoughts of a person who feels like they have to question or dislike everything just because they are a hipster. When you get to a point where you feel like you have to do or question something just because you are a hipster, you have actually gone in the opposite direction. Hipsters, should question what it makes sense to question. But, they should not feel as if they have to oppose things that make sense, just because they are hipsters. Example: “I am a hipster. Hipsters question everything and are counter cultural by nature. Sports are a very large aspect of our culture. But, in order to be countercultural, I have to dislike sports. So, even though I like the Patriots, I will say
They see Hipsters simply as a style of dress and don’t think about the fact that Hipsters try to be “Counter Cultural” and question everything. Style is style and that can change depending upon what you decide to put on that day. But, the counter cultural aspect is what can be taken too far in that it begins to drive behavior. And that is where the issues start to arise.”

“Are there any universal truths about hipsters? Could you describe what these are?”
“I do not think that there are “Universal truths” about Hipsters. They are not that deep or, for that matter, important. Generally people who are Hipsters are simply following the style and wearing the clothes. That is enough to be seen as different or individualistic. Where it breaks down is when people start to be counter cultural just for the sake of being counter cultural. I don’t think that is the majority of the hipster movement so therefore, it does not fall into a “Universal truths” definition.”

“Now that we’ve discussed hipsters a bit, how would you define the word if someone asked you?”
“Mostly as a fashion choice. Hipsters like to think that it is a lifestyle. But, mostly people just like the