Edited by author 07-18-2003 02:42 PM
Secret Agent Toast wrote "The only thing 'ironic' about hipsters is the fact that they don't think they are either consumers or conformers."

To me 'hip' IS consumerism and conformity carried to an extreme. The notion of 'hip' means that there is some exterior measuring stick that one can measure ones 'currentness' against. The quest to be 'current' and ahead of what is perceived to be the 'normals' is in itself a drive to define oneself as 'different' within the confines of what is commonly accepted as allowably 'different.' ergo nobody hip is really taking any chances or expressing anything unique.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with designer clothes or shopping at Hot Topic. (I buy a Slayer shirt at Hot Topic now and again- they have what I want, but I'll buy stuff at the Gap as well) The problems with 'hip' come from the wholesale adoption of a 'look' rather than simply buying and wearing what you like. If you happen to like whats now 'hip'- no problem. If you feel compelled to always fit the hip mold- you really are painting on your personality- and often times, we can see right through the paint to the featureless base.

Sorry for the rant. Work is slow lately... painfully...

by the way... anyone know if I just used "ergo" correctly? (I am trying to sound hip)