Hipster

A label used by the public to describe individuals who's cultural preferences are rooted in independent media rather than mainstream society. With the glorification of superficiality in Western culture post - 9/11 (celebrities, lifestyles, manufactured pop music etc.) any media which deviates from this and fosters an intellectual ethos is derided as 'pretentious' by current generations, who have subsequently become accustomed to the holocaust of mediocrity now permeating popular culture. Modern hipsters are mostly individuals who came of age during the 90's, and (having their beloved culture usurped by the information age and it's subsequent technology) find a defiant comfort in aspects of culture which reflect a kitsch/amateur/thrift store aesthetic representative of the times they grew up in. Because of this, they sometimes hold opinions which seem obnoxious to those who can't relate to having been a part of it. This is not usually intentional however, and mostly represents their anger at how the society they grew up in (which in an unusual move for society put substance and authenticity first) has been replaced by one which instead celebrates superficial values. Of course, those unfamiliar with this tend to interpret the hipster phenomenon as a fabricated trend (or cheap substitute for previous subcultures), and proceed to mock them for not sharing their vapid love of the Kardashians, Geordie Shore and the rest of their mainstream ilk. Hence, the hipster label was born.

(the unpoken rule of being a hipster is to not admit to being one, but I've broken it for this example)

Average Joe: Are you a hipster?

Hipster: Depends, can you appreciate the fact that I prefer stuff with substance? you know, stuff I can personally connect to? because god knows I can't connect to what others like, and they've made their feelings about this very apparent. That's their whole game; if you don't like what they do, you're the freak, the weirdo, the mental person. Rejection forces people to find somewhere they will be accepted. For me, its in the music and movies which say 'don't worry, we're not like them either'. It's the only thing that keeps me sane. Can you understand that?

Average Joe: *Derisive expression*

Hipster: Well that explains it all doesn't it? We try to be accepted, and get ridiculed for it. We try to be independent, and get ridiculed for it. Brilliant :/

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