Hipsters. WTF ?

[Ironiclaconic]

In my observation, the "hipster" that arouses so much ire and bile are NOT individualists. They are not rugged groundbreakers or inspired creators. I have an assortment of nieces and nephews (not all, thank gawd) who qualify. They fancy themselves above and beyond the rat race of life. They are aloof observers, making snide comments and, to use the vintage phrase, laughing up their sleeves at everyone. And it's not the hot, sharp satire of a cutting wit. It's a lazy, flacid sneer.

Unlike other counter-culture groups (beatniks, hippies, pick your favourite) who reject mainstream life, these "hipsters" don't have an alternative to offer. They don't actually believe in anything but trying outdo each other with half-ass mockery. Sort of...cultural parasites.

It's easy to understand people's aggravation with the subspecies. After an hour spent in the company of my younger relatives, listening to nonstop grunting chuckles at life, the universe and everything, I want to reach for a rubber mallet and try to rouse some sincere emotion in them.

Yeah, the term doesn't apply to a subculture, but to a set of particularly annoying traits. It's less a term like "beatnik" or "goth" than it is a term like "snob" or "redneck".