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Hipster thing
- Thread starter DaDrew2112
- Start date
I absolutely agree. I firmly believe that you can't expand your horizons while looking at your feet. It's actually happened to me - being forced to listen to music my friends like, and over time I've come to enjoy that music. But to do that as a trend or fad? It's insincere, and I think that's what really bothers me. If you really like it, go for it, but to claim you like it BECAUSE it's an obscure band and not because it really speaks to you...? And yeah, that's what is happening. I also feel like it's kinda disrespectful to the musicians and artists - I mean, claiming you really REALLY love watching My Little Pony when in fact you wouldn't be caught dead watching it? Again, this is all IME at any rate. I'm being pretty generalistic, but I'm really only meaning this to apply to the hipster crowd that I've been exposed to.
Well, that is my observation. It's not really an opinion, as I've actually gotten confirmation of it from a few, but that doesn't mean it applies equally everywhere. It's just as likely that my hipsters are different from all the other hipsters out there... And wouldn't they LOVE to hear me say that!
What's the best Boone for metal, anyway?
Again, I wholeheartedly agree on your point, and I'm guilty of searching out new music myself, as (IMO) should we all. The difference is that I'm looking for music I like, or at least music that interests me, because it interests me - not because I can't wait to go to Hot Topic and talk about this old mix tape I found in the Goodwill with others who are (snobby hipster voice) still finding music on YouTube. As if there was any good music to be found there! *sniff* 
Yeah, that's the gist of it. Just like every other sub-culture/counter-culture of every generation, a few free thinkers set a standard that others try to emulate, without realizing that emulation is just conforming at a specific level - the irony here is that being yourself is generally the idea, and people start being just like the rest to prove that they're individuals. The part that bothers me is the indignant justifications that come along with this particular group with regard to their individuality and non-conforming conformism.
:shrug:
Aren't hipsters this year's model of what used to be metro-sexuals? The fashion has changed, but isn't it just guys trying to look trendily attractive?
EDIT: Just read updates, neurotictim...
My only point is that you can second-guess why someone does what they do but it is a never-ending game with no truly conclusive answers.
But the difference in action between what my old friend used to do (purposefully seek out obscure music and introduce us to it) and what you describe (sans your own editorializing and characterization as "poser") is really the same thing. My friend certainly got a charge out of being "that guy" so it's very possible that factored into why he did it - or not. It certainly made him have an outstanding quality amongst his peers who were arguably a similar clique to the 'hipsters' today.
But the way I feel about it is what changes whether or not he's a disingenuous poser or a genuinely curious music fan to me - not what he does.
I suppose I could have chosen to think he "just did that to be cool" - and let that color my feelings about him and what he does, but to what end? That's how I feel about some of the commentary deriding hipsters. It feels like a lot of it is just people projecting their own negative views onto an obvious target. The things they do, how they dress, their apparent inflated sense of self-worth is nothing new.
EDIT: Just read updates, neurotictim...
My only point is that you can second-guess why someone does what they do but it is a never-ending game with no truly conclusive answers.
But the difference in action between what my old friend used to do (purposefully seek out obscure music and introduce us to it) and what you describe (sans your own editorializing and characterization as "poser") is really the same thing. My friend certainly got a charge out of being "that guy" so it's very possible that factored into why he did it - or not. It certainly made him have an outstanding quality amongst his peers who were arguably a similar clique to the 'hipsters' today.
But the way I feel about it is what changes whether or not he's a disingenuous poser or a genuinely curious music fan to me - not what he does.
I suppose I could have chosen to think he "just did that to be cool" - and let that color my feelings about him and what he does, but to what end? That's how I feel about some of the commentary deriding hipsters. It feels like a lot of it is just people projecting their own negative views onto an obvious target. The things they do, how they dress, their apparent inflated sense of self-worth is nothing new.
Being a hipster is mainly an attitude thing. Being a pompous arrogant with a superior complex won't ever go out of style.
The plaid shirts, ironic beards, thick retro black glasses, and the generally unkempt appearance might go away in less than 10 years... only to be replaced by something equally moronic.
The plaid shirts, ironic beards, thick retro black glasses, and the generally unkempt appearance might go away in less than 10 years... only to be replaced by something equally moronic.
It's something that evolved out of normal kids who were actually really ordinary and mainstream but who wanted desperately not to be. Some major hallmarks of the modern day hipster are the ironic consumption of (often bad) products and the adoption/affectation of (often bad) mannerisms, the the cultivation of an image of pseudo-quirkiness and false nonchalance, and the clueless misappropriation/bastardization of aspects of other subcultures and cultures.
Oooh - one thing I left out. This will be the true test to tell whether or not you are a Hipster. Do you watch The Simpsons regularly and worship it as the greatest show ever created? (Not withstanding that Harry Shearer IS an awesome bass player).
Keep in mind that these *young rebel trends* aka hippies, punks, beat gen, etc are like the awful song stuck in your head- only to be replaced by something more annoying. There is nothing new under the sun.
Sorry, man- shoulda read the whole thread. I think I just paraphrased your brains out
slobake
resident ... something
They like really new and cool music for a month. Then it's old and sold out. I have friends that turned into hipsters. I know them all too well. The last music trend I recall was Witch House. Holy hell. I couldn't last through that show... bounced early...
I got called this not long ago and had no clue what on Earth they were talking about. Apparently it's the new Hot Topic thing that they are schlepping instead of the emo stuff. I don't wear tight pants, have no tattoos, but I do have a pair of browlines that I've had since I was like 17 (8 years ago) and like some vintage style clothes (i.e. - bowling shirts, chucks, and my eyewear). I'm too old to care about, or afford to keep up with, fashion fads that pop up at random. It's annoying because suddenly owning a record player and a super nintendo makes me a hipster for some reason according to the peeps that called me that in the first place. At any rate, I'm still going to enjoy my clothes, vinyl, and super nintendo to my heart's content 
So..........
Who here on TalkBass considers themselves a "Hipster"?
come on, man up and come out.
Who here on TalkBass considers themselves a "Hipster"?
come on, man up and come out.
yeah man, but more *kinda* in spirit than in execution. Mostly in I like new and hip things, be it tech, or knowledge of trends in music and whatever, and I take from all that what i like... I can admit it.
I have dabbled in things / looks that skirt around the periphery without coming off *desperate* or obvious or adhering to an aesthetic. Mainly because I am young at heart while also realizing I am a 40 year old that would look like a douchebag if I tried too much of it. It's not "me" anyway.
That said, I will always love ugly cardigan sweaters and funky hats.
I have dabbled in things / looks that skirt around the periphery without coming off *desperate* or obvious or adhering to an aesthetic. Mainly because I am young at heart while also realizing I am a 40 year old that would look like a douchebag if I tried too much of it. It's not "me" anyway.
That said, I will always love ugly cardigan sweaters and funky hats.
No real hipster considers his or herself a hipster. If you identify yourself as a hipster, you clearly are not, because you can't put a label on that level of individuality.
MouseRat said:
Nope, never watched it don't care to.. I enjoy south park family guy and the office
