Hip Taxonomy

David Gibson
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

Beran offers us an excellent dissection of the concept of a hipster. The historical context is well articulated, although I would like a bibliography and possibly some citations. Minor point, however.

I appreciated the clarity offered in the synthesis of the Hefner effect described by Ehrenreich. The development of this cultural phenomenon is fascinating, and it makes sense to extend this to better understand the hipster phenomenon.

I am left a bit by the conclusion of the article. It seemed to stop rather than conclude. I would like a clearer statement of the conclusions drawn based on this richer understanding of the taxonomy of artist hipsters and Hefner hipsters.

I’m also left a bit cold by the criticism of the Hefner hipster. I’d like more clarity around this argument.

Likewise, I am unconvinced by this statement:

The virulence in the slur “hipster,” represents the fact that we are winning, or at least — unlike Generation X — a viable threat.

If anything, I find the bulk of the article undermines this statement. Most of the article deals with the taxonomic distinction between the two hipsters, and it seems that the virulence is directed at the Hefner hipster. The case I hear is that each wave of artistic hipster is co-opted, so this statement seems more like hubris.

Finally, as a follow-up article, I’d really like to see a more substantive piece on the way the artistic hipsters are articulating a better path forward. I’m sure there is a case here, but it would help this piece if there were a strong reference to such, as the criticism of the conforming Hefner group is weak without an articulated and sustainable better path.

Interesting piece, for which, kudos to Dale Beran for putting himself out there to advance our learning.

David Gibson

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