Hipsters

I often call Portland, "little Brooklyn." Yes, we too have bridges (greater in number, lesser in iconic status), trendy artisan coffee shops, a healthy "indie" music scene, great restaurants and as a result, an over-abundance of Hipsters.

What is a Hipster?



Hipsters can be described as people who are already sick of something you have only just discovered. They have the attitude, the look and no real job to support it all. Bohemians don't need jobs--there is too much art to produce and cigarettes to smoke. If you admit to being a hipster, then you are NOT a hipster. That is pretty much the only rule they have. . . I still have not learned the secret handshake.

Ever look at those silly fashion features in the NY Times Sunday magazines? Have you gazed with slight amazement and skepticism at the wafer-thin 20-somethings who look so sad, intense and silly in shorts, a skinny tie, men's dress shoes with no socks and a waxed mustache (usually sported by the male species)? I'm pretty sure you can't be a hipster if you have more than 7% body fat--those skinny jeans are really the first line of defense for the status.

So how do you know when you have spotted a hipster? If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions, then its a sure bet:

Do you own skinny jeans, old school chucks, cabbie hat, the 70′s vest, an ironic t shirt or hat, a fitted sweater, flannel shirt, or chunky lens-less glasses? Do you drink PBR, have an ironic mustache, have a blog that allows you to post pictures you took with your digital camera? Been called a hipster? Deny being a hipster, but own various wardrobe and sport an asymmetrical hair style that is considered Non-Mainstream? Smoke Parliaments? Got any cool tattoos? Perhaps one of a star, maybe on your wrist or elbow? Own a vintage dress or have an awesome beard?

For the record, I don't smoke Parliaments, have any tattoos or have the ability to grow an awesome beard (probably would if I could though). Plus I don't ride a "fixie" bike--the hipster's beloved mode of transportation. They no doubt brag about finding it at a garage sale and paid $50.00 for it--then spent another $175.00 on "upgrading" it--with their parents hard earned money. This is the type of bike that has one gear and no freewheel. That means when the bike is rolling downhill, the pedals are moving whether the rider likes it or not. The really serious ones opt out on that whole braking concept and instead rely on sliding the bike 90 degrees to the oncoming danger. The hipster and his/her bike is beautifully parodied in this comical rap video comparing the bike cultures in Portland (hipster vs. Spandex).

Hipsters are very serious looking. Never smiling, laughing or being silly. My friends and I joke (dream, really) of starting a separate blog called: "Hipster Fall from Grace." Its sole purpose would be expose (with photos and stories) hipsters seen doing un-hipster things--like taking a driver's exam, stepping in dog poop, shopping at Target, riding a bike with more than one gear, singing along to a Coldplay song (if this is you, get a hipsterpod immediately). It is so difficult not to weigh in on the ridiculousness going on all around you in this young, hip city. They are such easy targets, mainly because they take themselves SO seriously. Plus they look just plain silly.

Portland Primer

After more than a year in Portland, I have come to observe a few things that are worth sharing.

The city is home to over 500,000 people, but that number swells to around 2.2 million when you consider the sprawling suburban areas that radiate out. Commute-traffic aside, Portland retains a very small town feel that probably aggravates some and delights others. I am still in the latter camp at the moment...

One constant I keep coming back to regarding Portland is how it has adapted and in a sense, thrived in the shadows. Seattle, the larger neighbor to the North has garnered all the attention with, job markets (Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon, Costco. . .) tourism, media and notoriety. Portland remains small in every way by comparison. After the Timber industry really took a hit in the 1970's--and continues a steady decline, the city has not found a suitable replacement. And so, while other places roared back with real estate developments or financial services, Portland was left to its own devices. As a result, it learned to live lean and support the people within.

There is a strong independent spirit here. Local businesses rely on and support each other in a way I have not seen anywhere else. The Mom & Pop hardware stores are still around here, complete with someone behind the counter who actually knows what you are talking about and have the parts to help out. My favorite personal touch is the free popcorn in self-serve machines--like a friendly butter & salt laden volcano staying warm and active all the time.

Another by-product of the stagnant growth are the lovely old neighborhoods. Block after block of beautiful craftsman homes sit beneath healthy canopies of Dutch Elms, Maple and Fir trees. Were there a real estate revival in the 70's and 80's here, those homes would be stucco apartments and condos--buildings that hardly retain much charm and aesthetic. And so the local business owners were able to run a small business, own a modest home in the city and support the local economy and community.

The city planning in Portland is something of a legend in this country (don't expect a Hollywood movie on it anytime soon). Somehow, Portland had the ability and foresight to lay out some very (at the time) radical and bold planning strategies 25 years ago. The fruit is finally ripening with amazing bicycle access all across the city, an ever-expanding light rail system and a country-wide recognition of being a city that has practiced "smart growth." There is an abundance of green spaces, parks and quick access to the wild places that make this area so beautiful.

Contrary to popular belief, its not all roses here. We still encounter lousy traffic during rush hour, have our own urban sprawl issues, need to put more bodies on the light rail system, deal with sewer run-off into the Willamette river in the rainy season. Real Estate prices are rising at a rate that is chasing people further and further out. The unemployment rate in Oregon is above 10%. There are some disgruntled longtime locals who have to tolerate rude hipster bicycle punks and obnoxious Eco-snobs stalking the streets (and bicyclists) in the latest hybrid vehicle.

Admittedly, it has been far too long since my last Blog posting. I am very excited to get back into writing again, share some stories, observations, take photographs, share information and experiences to whomever wishes to look. Stay tuned. Thanks for reading!