Meme Content Breakdown: "The Evolution of the Hipster."
Meme Content by PASTE MAGAZINE


As yall know, magazines enjoy covering 'hipster'-related content. Was reading Paste Magazine and saw some sort of scientific/sociological/cultural timeline that represents the 'evolution' of 'hipsters.' Sorta makes me wonder what alternative ppl are searching for. Humanity has a goal (trying to figure out how 2 live forever, and escape from the Earth before the sun explodes), so it seems natural that cultural subgroups have goals, as well. Maybe we just want to create the perfect playlist, and do other stuff that helps to express the real U.

It seems like mainstreamers who don't consume the internet and fringe alts who 'would like to be more culturally relevant' use exposes like this to plan their future adventures into the heartland of Altmerica.  Wonder if the world 'hipster' is even still relevant.

Seems like if I had a magazine, I would make sure to have at least one issue each year that had one of the following gimmicks:

  • Something about twitter
  • Something about 'hipsters'
  • '100 bands/people that u need 2 know about'
  • 'list of young ppl who are good at business/technology' (make sure that you pick an age, and use it in the gimmick, like '25 ppl under 25', or '100 entrepreneurs under 100 years old.'
  • Something about 'culture being dead' because of a demographic/generation whose influence is abt 2 get stronger.
  • something political/about a new, young politician who is 'different'
  • Some sort of list that reflects on the year

Carles will break down what each of the stages of alt in the 'hipster timeline' are attempting to represent.


2000: The Emo
Magazine Provided Blurb:
The proto-hipster’s white belt and guyliner make for a soulful combination.

Carles Blurb: Damn. Can barely even remember this era. Sorta glad that the internet wasn't very developed during this era so that it wasn't a strong foundation to build upon for the future of alt.  I feel like this sort of provided the 20 year plan for the popular goth/emo/punk tween retailer "Hot Topic."  Back then, I think most alts were true failures at 'being a functional member of society.'  Definitely closer to juggalos than 'relevant members of societ.'  Most alts were probably mistaken for homosexuals.  Even though modern authentic alts frown down upon this era, it was probably rlly important in forming how we are 2day.

2001: The Emo Redux
Magazine Provided Blurb:
The skulls on her tour-only Death Cab tee don’t match the skulls on her Vans, so it’s not like she’s trying too hard.

Carles Blurb: Back then, I don't think entry-level alts existed.  I am not sure if attractive females even considered being alt back then, so the pickings were thin.  Like portly girls wearing hoodies and van slip-ons.  I think the Starbucks cup is supposed to represent the consumerification of America/'the scene'/personal brands.  2001 was probably right on the threshold before the proliferation of Am Appy.  This is probs the last time is was 'kewl' 2 wear a band t-shirt. I sorta miss the early day, back when it was more difficult for people to find 'good music.' These days, inauthentic ppl can find buzzworthy music too easily.


2002: The Ashton
Magazine Provided Blurb:
His PBR trucker hat and faux vintage t-shirt reveal an obsession with “irony.”

Carles Blurb: A bro in transition. A bro growing up.  A bro becoming a bro.  A bro with a forgettable humble alt aesthetic.  Nothing about his wardrobe really tells u that he is worth getting 2 know.  Maybe we weren't worth getting 2 know back then.  Feel glad the the electro era happened to kill off this aesthetic/ship off this aesthetic to represent a more traditional bro.'  Not sure if iPods existed back then.


2003: The Scenester
Magazine Provided Blurb:
A gaudy tattoo appears on her chest, and she is never spotted without her iPod.

Carles Blurb: This is when music began 2 'really define' alt.  We were finally getting our content aggregations systems ready 4 hi-usage, and we could fill up our iPods with hundreds of songs, instead of carrying around Sony discmen.  Not sure if tattoos were happening yet.  Not sure when hi-life/pbr became 'the official beer of alt.'  Sorta weird how they used the term 'scenester', but now u would think a 'scenester' is a mexican pokemon alt tween with an asymetrical haircut and intense myspace photos.


2004: The Twee
Magazine Provided Blurb:
He adores his rare-vinyl collection and tobacco pipe. Despite 20/20 vision, he wears Buddy Holly glasses.

Carles Blurb: Feel like this was the first wave of 'alts who thought they were genuinely authentic.'  Think this was the last year that 'bros who took themselves seriously' got respect in their local alternative scene.  Wondering if vinyl sales were even that significant back then.

2005: The Fauxhemian
Magazine Provided Blurb:
She suffers for fashion, wearing a furry hat, boots and keffiyah even during the warmest months. Her new wrist tattoo is the Japanese symbol for beauty—or at least that’s what the guy at the tat shop told her.

Carles Blurb: This broad is indicative of 'rich lil cunts' deciding to convert from seeking out mainstream rewards and acceptance towards the altopshere.  It is important to note that her wardrobe + accessories + vehicle all still 'cost a lot of money', bc it is still important for her to seem like a rich bitch.  This was when the alternative lifestyle started to become easier for every1 to implement.  <3/h8 consumerism.  Should have invested in Palestinian scarves in 2k0.

2006: The Mountain Man
Magazine Provided Blurb:
He seeks working-class authenticity, taking pride in his full beard and the fact that he’s often mistaken for a homeless person.

Carles Blurb: "Rage, Rage Against the Consumerification of Alt" is a poem by the alt beard bro.  Sorta miss the organic route that some bros went down, instead of the electro-road.  Feel relieved that all roads eventually led to AnCo.  Feel like the beard was more of a tool by alts to hide from their past.  Whether they were rich kids choosing to 'seem rugged', or bros with poor parents choosing to 'seem like they didn't care', feels like a beard is generally too uncomfortable to 'let happen'--u have 2 want it 2 happen.  Wondering about plaid/flannel.


2007: The Vintage Queen
Magazine Provided Blurb:
She shops at retro boutiques and posts Holga photos on her blog. She has said that the koi fish cover-up tattoo on her arm symbolizes “nature and love and peace and stuff.”

Carles Blurb: Alt broads eventually figured out that they don't still have to 'buy expensive shit' to turn their personal brands alt.  Thrift stores began to thrive as alts sought out interesting looking clothes that didn't require tons of $$$$.  Also a drive 2 be unique.  If u buy a cute dress at a thrift store, u r basically buying the only version of that dress in a 1000 mile radius.  Feel good about the proliferation of individuality.  Feel like this picture might have happened 1-2 years earlier, since this may or may not have been the golden age of Am Appy.

2008: The Williamsburg
Magazine Provided Blurb:
He thoughtfully hangs shutter shades in the deep-V of his white tee, and he’s often seen walking his fixed-gear bike around town while texting with his iPhone.

Carles Blurb: This aesthetic is about comfort and lifestyle.  Eventually, alts realize that 'if we're going to make zany lifestyle choices, we might as well be comfortable.'  This is why sweatpants and athletic shorts will be big in the next decade, particularly as alts enter middle age.  Seems like this bro is 'aware of trends' and ironically implementing them.  He might need 2 get a real job so that he can convert into biz casual.  There is something disorienting about some1 who seems to be 'trying hard' to be comfortable. Not sure about moustaches. Feel like the opportunity to grow a moustache is more of a genetic gift, moreso than a choice.

2009: The Meta-Nerd
Magazine Provided Blurb:
By wearing the popular Three Wolf Moon T-shirt, today’s hipster makes a mockery of herself. She has finally completed the full-sleeve tattoo.

Carles Blurb: Feel like this represents a human who 'lives on the internet.' Consumes memes, viral vids, and even shops at exclusive online boutiques, or possibly large scale retailers that sell zany tshirts with memes on them designed by common ppl. Feel like I prefer the consumer female alts the most, instead of these 'comfy, free-spirited' bitches. I feel like a lot of uggos hide behind their tshirts+comfortably underwhelming outlet. Wish they integrated a Macbook into this picture.

What is yalls analysis on the 'Evolution of the Hipster'?
Did they get everything 'right'?
Are they missing vital aspects of alt over the past decade?
Were u ever emo?
What do u miss the most about the pre-electro/pre-internetcentric era of alt?
Is the internet/technology more important than they have demonstrated?
Is the word 'hipster' still relevant?
Should I start a magazine?
What's gonna happen next?
Will the US Government ever decide to eliminate us?
////worried