This week's blog prompt fits in very well with what my map was about. “Safari” . . . “Tourist's guide,” pretty much the same thing, right? So here is a partial look at my map.
The Urban Jungle: a Hipster Safari
Make the strange familiar and the familiar strange.
The term “hipster” is difficult to define because it is often marked by contradiction. Those deemed “hipsters” attempt to go against the herd in an effort at non-conformity. Hipsterdom is, arguably, difficult to map because those who make up the sub-species of “hipsters” would never self-identify as such (although this is the case, for the purpose of this project I will refer to them as such). Some might disagree with this statement though, because hipsters tend to gather at the same habitats, easily identifiable by their dress. Every urban area has a hipster sub-species accompanied by hipster habitat. In Edmonton, this habitat encompasses Whyte avenue and 109th street. The following map will attempt to guide you on a journey: to discover what it is about place that both attracts a species and creates one. On your journey challenge yourself by seeing if you can spot these hipsters in their natural habitat.
Blackbyrd Myoozik
Since being a hipster is about carefully crafting an identity, it only makes sense that music is a part of that identity. The music medium of vinyl has recently become popular with hipsters. Perhaps it's the raw sounding quality of the record that makes it so appealing, a connection to the original form of semi-portable music medium. More likely, it is about going against the grain. Blackbyrd Myoozik carries both CDs and records of an obscure nature (and, let's face it, a very much non-obscure nature) which makes it perfect for hipsters.
Gravity Pope Shoes
Don't even think about going into this shoe store wearing sweat pants and ugg boots. What makes this store “hipster” is not necessarily the products they sell, but the people who work there. If you want to be helped you are going to have to look like one of them. It is not enough to simply stand with a shoe in your hand and an inquiring look on your face. Suggestions for blending in include (but are not limited to): messenger bags, oxford shoes, and a look of pure scorn.
Black Dog Freehouse
If you look to your left, across the street, you will see the Black Dog Freehouse. Where better to be seen than at a pub that looks, from the outside, as if it's about to collapse in on itself. There is no need to go into this habitat as I am able to describe exactly what lies inside. When you first walk into the Black Dog you will feel confused for a moment. No you have not just stepped into a hunting lodge or a plaid factory, but rather a place where hipsters can go to drink and to let people see just how much they don't care. Dimly lit, this place has all the feel of an old english tavern without any authentic charm.
Cafe Mosaics
Just as not all vegetarians are hipsters, not all hipsters are vegetarians. This doesn't stop some hipsters from showing just how “evolved” they are by eating vegetarian (occasionally). Hipsters are selective, so by restricting their diets, they are able to add another reason to the very long list of why they are better than everyone else. Remember: to a hipster it is only ok wear animals, not eat them.
American Apparel
Because dress is so important to hipsters, American Apparel is more than a clothing store: it is a religious experience. Hipsters come from all over the city to pay homage to solid colour v-neck t-shirts and leggings. Now that they have started to sell plaid shirts as well, there is no telling what they may achieve. Some predict they will put goodwill out of business.
Sugar Bowl
We come to the end of our tour with an opportunity to observe the social and mating habits of the hipster. Like a peacock, the hipster will enter into the social arena dressed to impress, decked out in his or her finest “vintage” apparel. Grab a beer (they have an extensive list)and a snack (the edamame and paprika popcorn are both great choices), sit back, and enjoy the real show as hipsters use wit and sarcasm to one up each other- there can only be one king(or queen) of the urban jungle.