The term ‘hipster’ is a relatively loose one and one may have a difficult time distinguishing whether or not they fit the bill. In order to help readers clearly define whether or no they fall into this archetype, I have constructed a checklist. Here are some defining characteristics of what makes a hipster.
- Do you wear jeans that fit your little sister?
- Could you see Kanye West wearing your sunglasses?
- Are you obsessed with the musical stylings of Nick Cave?
- Do you live somewhere warm yet still own a plethora of flannel shirts?
- Is your favorite movie an independent film which few have actually seen?
- Do you have money but choose to shop at thrift stores?
- Do you read Pitchfork?
- Do you think Pabst Blue Ribbon is a good beer?
- Have you ever chastised a person for liking Coldplay?
- Do you use the word ‘legit’ more often than you should?
- Are your favorite bands local bands who don’t even have a record deal?
- Do you own more than one coat that consists of faux fur?
- Is plaid your favorite color?
- Do you wear non-prescription thick black rimmed glasses?
- Do you like Joy Division more than New Order?
- Do you smoke European cigarettes?
- Are books on philosophy or Che Guevara ever ‘accidentally’ peeking out of your bag?
- Are you offended when people call you a hipster?
- Does capitalism offend you?
- Have you ever shopped at Urban Outfitters?
- Do you own an instrument that you can’t play?
- Do you have a trust fund?
- Do you have one Republican friend?
- Did you graduate with a liberal arts degree?
- Can you name more than one band that is considered shoegazer?
Tally up the number of questions you answered ‘yes’ to and refer to the guide below:
0-5: You not a hipster. In fact, I’m not even sure how you found this blog.
6-10: You are simply someone with an appreciation for the arts who does not define themselves by this interest in them. You may not be all that cool, but at least you are comfortable in your lameness. People may have called you a hipster without knowing exactly what the word meant.
11-15: You are toeing the fine line between being a cultured kid and a hipster. You have likely answered yes heavily in one sub category of the quiz and may just be an enthusiast of music, independent culture, or fashion. You could also be blooming into a full-fledged hipster.
16-20: Yup, you are a full blown hipster. Your favorite categories of music are no wave, post-punk, post-rock, post-hardcore, ambient, and slave metal. Your style epitomizes irony. You identify with being an individual who just happens to fit the social archetype perfectly.
21-25: Amazing. You own the Hipster Handbook and have followed it to a T. There is no way you are not cool, and you are well aware of this fact.
