Our generation: the Indie-pendants

Chloe DirectorStaff WriterHippies wore long dresses and flowing bell-bottoms and passed flowers to one another. They protested the war in Vietnam and camped out in VW buses.  The punks brought along their own epidemic, with dissonant music, chains and tattoos. Now, as we leave the first decade of the 21st century, a new wave of teenagers is making a name for itself: the hipsters.Hipsters, or “Indie kids,” evolved when teenagers attempting to be “original” or “unique” hit a wall because every idea, band or fashion they ever embraced was stolen by corporate America and sold back to them. The trend came alive when people wanted to steer off the mainstream Lady Gaga/American Eagle path.Unfortunately for those who are genuinely creative and musical are cursed by followers who desperately purchase new “vintage” wear at Urban Outfitters or search methodically for an acoustic band that hasn’t yet been discovered.  While the Bandwagon Effect is nothing new — eventually every teenager in the '60s, even the “square” ones, grew his or her hair long — at least the hippies brought forth a message of peace and love. As the hipsters inevitably take the seemingly “original” masses along for their ride, it would be better if they had their own cause or calling, one that had a bit more of a profound affect on society than the revolution of the mustache.The hipster generation's rapid spiral into a teenage epidemic is attributed to the lack of identity in high school students. With so many trends, music and art out there it’s very easy to be passed in the crowd. If these kids become unique or original maybe they will find themselves once and for all.Originality for originality’s sake, though, is a paradox. What do you do when originality becomes a little too popular? Why, that's when a new epidemic begins.cdirector@thesamohi.com