What I believe is, it is a reaction to societal change, and the new American Service economy. . The main factor being the disappearance of good(but not great)paying productive jobs in urban areas. Those kids figure it isn't worth it to try too hard, anyway. They can't all be Superman. The heck with going into debt to try and obtain a Masters Degree,(or Doctorate), so you can then try to get a job you hate, anyway. Or, alternatively, without a professional degree, slave away at one low-paying full-time job and one or two part-time jobs, just so you can be "normal" and have a new house, a new car, a new baby, and go to church on Sunday. Be All-American Middle Class, right? Then, because of other undesirable aspects of "social change" end up losing it in a divorce or Layoff. They figure it's a crapshoot. In any event, they are underemployed. I guess that in some ways they are the contemporary equivalent of the "beatnick" or "hippie"-rejecting middle-class materialism and "success". So, as an alternative, they become fashionably poor. The major difference between them and SL-ers is that Hipsters aren't much concerned about long-term security. The one thing that I notice most about hipsters, is their stereotypical hipster bike. I can understand why they ride them, and why they build them the way they do--simple & cheap. What they are typically is a garage-sale 70's or 80's upscale-quality touring bike(10-12 or 18 speed), that has been stripped of its' derailleurs, sometimes the the brakes; and the drop-bars replaced with straight handlebars. Sometimes, if they are ambitious, they change the rear hub to one that does not freewheel. That way, they can brake through the crankset. Then, top it off with an aerosol-can paint job, rims and all, in their favorite combination of Fluorescent colors. This makes it distinctive, and easier to identify if it is stolen. Still, itt really pains me when they do this to a Vintage Trek Road Bike. Ouch. Sob. Hipsters live in old, old houses that have been converted to cheap apartments, within biking distance of older, gentrified, artsy-fartsy business districts and nightclubs. Also, in close proximity to Thrift Shops. That way, they can work evening hours as a janitor or a dishwasher at a trendy bistro, or tend bar, maybe even be in a band at a club, to earn rent money and buy weed and other essentials. That's pretty much my perception of them. Hope that helps you some. Thankk Mee.
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Originally Posted by mtnlaurel
