We
were asked to research into the hipster subculture in Manchester, to find out if the hipster was dying. We started off by researching into the history of the hipster and we found that "The word hipster was first used back in the 1940s. It was used to describe a particular subculture that had evolved in America during which and directly linked to the popularity of Jazz music during the 1940s. There are different opinions on how the word actually came about, but the most common one is that the word hipster came from the word “hip” meaning “in the know” and was commonly used as an adjective to describe enthusiasts of the jazz music scene. The English suffix “ster” was added and the term “hipster” was born, being defined as “characters who like hot jazz”."
We then looked into what the 1940's subculture of the hipster were like and their ways of life.
"Initially hipsters were middle class white American youths. During a time of war, resistance and racial segregation groups of middle-class white youths rejected the social norms of the time and the extravagant lifestyles of the higher classes seeking a more carefree and spontaneous lifestyle. They embraced jazz music and the culture that came with it. Jazz musicians were predominantly African American and these middle-class white youths, looked to imitate the lifestyle of the musicians they looked up to along with young urban blacks. Jazz clubs were where these hipster groups went to socialise leading to a fusion of races in hipster culture.
These young people were focused on enjoying life, music and differentiating themselves from the upper classes and their orderly way of life. Adopting opposite views on life from what was expected – they used cannabis and other drugs, embracing a relaxed attitude to life, sarcastic humour and self-inflicted poverty."
Then we looked into the modern day hipster.
"Over the years the word hipster has adopted a completely different meaning. The hipster of the 1940s sought out people similar to themselves, growing friendships and developing bonds based on their mutual interest in jazz music and like views on societal issues. They gladly associated themselves with the subculture. A new generation of urban living young people have unwillingly adopted the subculture’s name and today’s hipster culture is less about the community building and more focused on their individual image. Similarly to earlier hipsters, modern day hipsters are not necessarily from lower classes but choose to look like they do, keeping an earthy, grungy image. They embrace anything obscure and appreciate any kind of alternative culture, be it film, music, or art.
Probably the most obvious sign of a male hipster/hipster wannabe is their facial hair situation. Everyone has noticed the influx of beards in recent times. Yes, hipster style is to thank for making it acceptable for young men to grow, or at least try to grow, full beards, which would have typically been associated with older men. These beards come in different lengths and styles but all are well maintained to deceptively achieve that rough appearance. Some hardcore hipsters even incorporate the “handlebar” moustache which requires extra styling and maintenance. After paying a lot of attention to their facial hair you could forgive hipster guys for being lazy with the hair on their head – but lazy they are not. Short around the sides with the top slicked back ever so carefully. Regular trips to the barber are required to keep you looking in peak hipster condition.
How to grow a hipster beard
Simply grow a hipster beard by starting from an even length. This could be a clean shaven face or a trimmed beard. Just make sure that it starts at an even length. give it approximately 6 weeks from a clean shaven length to get to a decent length. You should be aiming for at least a half of an inch of beard length in the hipster beard (this is about 1.5 centimetres).
Once you have achieved a length that you are happy with, simply maintain the length with scissors or, if you keep your beard on the short side, then use a beard trimmer. The good thing about the hipster beard is that it should look shaggy or somewhat unkempt, so you can get away with only using scissors and making the occasional length cutting mistake.
We then discussed where we might find a hipster in Manchester, for example, we reviewed their shopping habits and typical day to day life and we came to a conclusion that the best place would be the Northern Quarter and Afflecks Palace. The shops in there have an altenative style and house several tattoo parlours. We thought that this would be the best place to find our hipsters.
After finding our hipsters and interviewing them, we explored the Northern Quarter and Afflecks Palace to gather inspiration and leaflets for our video and research journals.
We then discussed how to put together our video by creating a visual storyboard and reading aloud different findings and research from the internet about the hipster to include in our video.
After the presentation, we reviewed our feedback. The feedback included;
- Adding a summary or a conclusion to the video to reflect on what we had learnt and discovered about the subculture.
- Taking more from the video, questioning everything. Why didn't they like to call themselves hipsters?
- Secondary and Primary research.
- Consider sound and video quality and composition.
- Interview more than needed and choose the best ones.
- Don't just take head to toe shots, consider shoes and detailing.
- Find people who are passionate about their appearance.
- Becky
