Hipster Generation- The End of the Revolution.

I have always been of the impression that the Hipster trend was likely a manifestation of some higher authority (e.g. government, Illuminati, evil genius's, the consumerist loving-materialistic wealthy).

What other Movement  in our recent history has been so blatantly linked to nothing, no real cause, no real substance besides the superficial and the obvious. Fashion (dirty, retro, "original"), Music (see fashion), and novelty trends seem to be the culmination of the Hipster legacy.

If you examine the movements of the last decades, each one had a purpose. Sure, they all gained popularity through some means of pop-culture; music and fashion are great vehicles for change, but behind the music, the clothes and the culture were philosophies or collective attitudes gear towards making the world a better place. The Hippies, especially in America, were all about unconditional love of all mankind and made a huge impact in the protests against the Vietnam war and were actively involved in the civil rights movement.  The Punk's brought forward ideas of existentialism and anti-establishment, even the Grunge movement of the 90s tried to protest materialism.

The Hipsters.......... I just do not understand them!!!!

They look like they are un-materialistic, what with all the retro/dirty clothing, but these clothes are not necessarily second hand... in fact half the "cool" clothes in hipster style are not only new, but expensive.

They all want to be different and original.... but end up doing, wearing and listening to the same things...

Hipsters all act like they are the coolest and most interesting people of the world.... yet ask anyone and they would never call themselves a Hipster, in fact calling someone a Hipster is some kind of insult.

I mean seriously, Hipsters should unite (there are plenty) and take a cause (climate change, animal rights, education, environment and sustainable energies..... take your pick) and stand up as a united front and say

"We are HIPSTERS, we stand together for what we believe (insert cause). HIPSTER HIPSTER (etc)!!!!"

I am personally almost certain this trend must have been intentionally planned to produce a generation (population) of passivity and apathy, a trend so cool you can't even say you're part of it, a movement generated to fool its followers into believing they are "radical" and "forward thinking" without the threat of them actually protesting or assembling as a cohesive movement for change.

..... that's all. My little rant has no relation to any particular person/people, it was inspired by an article I stumbled across on the world of facebook.

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/the-bondi-hipsters-react-to-taylor-swifts-entry-in-the-hottest-100/story-e6frfn09-1227192016063

 

Train travel and Sylvia Plath

          As we are in a new year (Happy 2015!) I feel it is appropriate to start this blog up again.... I have had a hiatus due to computer malfunctions and holidays and writers blockage. 
I am starting the new year off with a piece on taking the train in Italy, and a poem.


 How to catch a train in Italy.
(a ten step guide)

1. Find out where/ when you want to go
 you will need to check the website (trenitalia) and hope it doesn't have any glitches... but really this is the easiest step of all.

2. Get to the station   
plan to take public transportation EARLY to avoid missing a departure time. Remember; buses are not very reliable, there can be unexpected traffic... just go early. oh... and on the way (or before you leave home) buy water and a snack, you may need it later*.

3. Arrive at Station a minimum of 15 minutes Early
 (you need this much time-- believe me)

4. Find a ticket machine and wait in the cue (and hope it works) or go to the ticket counter.
you may have to wait in line 2 minutes... or half an hour... in which case you may miss your train

5. Once you've successfully bought a ticket
you must validate that ticket at a yellow ticket validation box.
these often do not work, in which case you are running around the station looking for one that works, while also trying not to miss your train. your ticket is not valid unless stamped... if you do not find a functioning validation box... get on the train and if questioned speak in English and feign stupidity (anyways, half the time on the regional trains they don't even check the tickets).

6. Go find your train.
the platform should be listed on the departures screen. if the screen isn't working... ask someone or check the paper listing of all departures... it is there.

7. Wait at the platform
it may be punctual. or it may be late.

8. When your train arrives
get on and find a seat.

9. Once on the train
it may stop at any time and stay stopped. you're probably wondering why, as is everyone else, but you probably won't find out. there will be a symphony of angry commuters confused and competing for their opinions of why this delay affects them more then anyone else on board. just be patient... most likely it won't be delayed more then 2 hours *this is where it comes in hand to have water*.

10. Arrive feeling proud of your ability
to make fast decisions and meditate with patience the most trying of situations. 

                                     and now... a poem.



 

For Sylvia 

a partially found poem- with words gleaned from Sylvia Plaths All Appearances.

With this red velvet cake

Icing barricade the arteries

O heart opens purr and great heart shuts

How her body annihilates me

Blue currents of static sheet kisses

Like icebox electric eels

From her lips the stars are flashing

Her smile like terrible jeweled morals

Blinking lights and Exit signs flash

Refugee in the dark of her silence

What am I to make of my loved one?

I bow and I hear her contradictions

On Monday, her eyelids say

Is this love then?

She sighs at the sight

Of dried roses on the nightstand

I wear a Swiss watch that is issuing

A dynasty from its steele needle

ABC launder these numerals

Make little dresses and coats

So blindingly white they will cover

The mindcuffs of dissatisfaction

Such, such is love then.