Consider today's post a public service announcement. We of New York roots are quite proud that the masses have become aware that Brooklyn Rocks the House (forever and always). With every publicity boon comes some backlash, and for New Yorkers, it comes in the form of Hipsters.
Now, those of us who work in media and creative industries have been hip to the whole "nerd chic" thing for years and years. They of the pale ilk with the chunky black frames used to think that their erudition made them into some sort of a sexy anti-hero. Such is not the case. Let me assure you of this, so I can rob you of that pretense. It IS possible to read, like music, and interact with society at large without forming oneself into a posse, thus mimicking the herd mentality which the truly cool abhor.
After all, a group of lanky kids sporting ironically large plastic-framed glasses (see also: chunky, black, square-framed glasses) with the requisite uniform of skinny jeans and flannel shirts, covered in ironic tattoos, does not a hipster make. You have joined a clique, sorry to say. Here's what an original Hipster looked like, back in the day.
First and foremost, Steve McQueen:
Of course, always always always Bruce Lee:
Now that we have firmly established that "Hipster" is a historical term, much like "Hippie" and "Punk Rocker", you may ask yourself: "What do I do when I encounter such a poseur?" And that is a very good question. They are a frightening herd to encounter out there in the wild streets of our dear urban jungle. Illuminators know that we must arm ourselves with trusty guides, maps, and much information. Let's begin our cultural dissection, so we can avoid uncomfortable run-ins.
The best source for such a creature, is to go directly into the belly of the beast, so to speak. In this case that would be the site called "Look at this Fucking Hipster." You who have travelled the L line through Williamsburg and Bushwick will know these images well. Those who have not, familiarize yourself. In other words, mark and remember the signs, because therein lie important clues. Here's one for you: headbands. Think of the following documentation as "tipsters": http://www.latfh.com/.
This handy fellow has even designed a Bingo card to make ferreting them out into sport, and it's an easy one at that, once you get the look down to memory. However, given that this is a public service for my readers, and not for those in the know, I will post it:
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| http://www.catbirdseat.org/catbirdseat/bingo.html |
Thus concludes today's subcultural lesson. I will leave you off with a bunch of links to further educate yourselves in more depth, though given the superficiality of such a group, delving deep is not really necessary. A breeze-through will more than suffice. Arms yourselves, and take comfort knowing they do not usually start shit one on one: that would require bravery or a lapse in their medication. A solo Hipster is not only simple to spot, but given their typical lack of cardio conditioning and muscle mass, even easier to scare off. Shoo!
If you have the unfortunate experience of happening upon a sulkily sneering group of them in the corner of a bar, making fun of the good music and trading what they think are quippy bon mots while disparaging other artists who aren't part of their bitchy "frenemy" group, just glare back menacingly, or better yet, ignore them and have a genuinely good time.
Here's a handy list of links to resources:
Let's promote a movement called "Individualism",
because authenticity is always sexy.
