Rants of a hipster by the P.C Police

Why is it that bullying becomes mainstream and socially acceptable as long as we are talking about “hipsters”?  It's just another useless label, a stereotype if you will, it's not funny, its bullying.  When you choose to put other people down, do you know what impact you make on their lives?  

Of course “hipster” is only a word, but unfortunately the power that it has been given creates this unrest in me as it should in you.  People who wish to put others down find this word useful as the requirements for being a “hipster” are so general that anyone may fit nicely into the category.  If you own a single speed or fixed gear, no lets get factitious if you ride a damn bike... HIPSTER.  If you have thick brimmed glasses, how about glasses in general... HIPSTER.  If you do anything that someone else doesn’t like... HIPSTER.  If you violate social norms... HIPSTER.  When we use “hipster” what we are actually saying is we don’t like that you’re different than us.

What “hipster” originally meant, I’m not sure, maybe it was a pair of underwear or fashionable pants, but now the use of "hipster" has negative associations.  What is so bad about being a hipster anyways?  According to the Urban Dictionary being a hipster doesn’t sound so bad.  The Urban Dictionary says that “they value independent thinking”, “progressive politics”, and “an appreciation of art”.  If we put aside for a moment that this is just another list of defining characteristics for labeling, we can see that these characteristics actually aren’t that bad.  It seems to be that these “hipsters” are positive and accepting, probably the kind of people you would want in your community!  

Its unfair to overgeneralize and stereotype people, not just your friends, not just people you see on the street, its unfair to everyone.  Labels typically only serve one purpose, to oppress by distancing (or for the obvious sake of distinguishing).  So if you find yourself thrown into the “hipster” category or happen to hear someone else deemed this social atrocity, reflect on what power you will allow it to have. Can you reclaim the word for yourself?  Will you be the bystander and do nothing, thus further enabling bullying to continue? 

If you want equality and change then you must only look to yourself.