Hipsters.

Hipster-noun. “The term ‘hipster’ is cross-applied from the 1930s Beatniks. The modern hipster is a composite of individuals with a certain bohemian life situation and lifestyle. He or she rejects ‘mainstream’ culture and embraces and contributes to independent culture, and prides him/herself on this.” -Compliments of Urban Dictionary.

Living in Minneapolis, by now we are all aware of the prominent ever-growing hipster population peddling the bike lanes of Franklin Avenue and spending late weekend nights haunting the back rooms of First Ave listening to the beats of indie no-name bands deemed “cool” by the hipster community. How can one spot a hipster in a crowd of people? Often identified by thick-framed glasses, skinny jeans and vintage pieces found at thrift stores, a hipster is usually on a bicycle and sporting a shaggy, often androgynous hair style.

This subculture which is becoming so prevalent in our generation is actually a historical one based on the beatniks of the 1930s. It is the idea that mainstream culture is used and outdated; hipsters are always moving on to a new and upcoming progressive lifestyle. The irony in this is that this subculture which is rooted on non-conformity is that it is creating an image which a group of people aspire to conform to; they try to make themselves appear as though they do not try. Using the image of hipster as a signifier, they have proven that American culture is not solely based on what is mainstream and popular, but rather diverse and sometimes non-traditional; irony often is a contributor to what we consider our culture. Popular hegemony outlaws many aspects of hipster life, and yet, the bicycles keep peddling, the unheard-of indie bands continue to form, and the skinny jeans stay stocked in Urban Outfitters.