Gypsy Hipsters

Today's Topic: Cultures and Subcultures.

We got to set the tone with an inspirational clip from the TV show, Gypsy Sisters.
My favourite quote: "I'm gonna *beep* *beep* in your *beep* you *beep* *beep*"
Runner-up: "I'm gonna put this mayonnaise in my hair!"

In our discussion of Gypsy culture, we noted the excessive material, the old-fashioned family values (emphasis on old-fashioned - girls are expected to get married at 15, and remain housewives to wealthy men), the copious amounts of children. As for the vulgarity of the girls on the show, we understand that it's played up for sensationalism to boost the ratings of the so-called Learning Channel, but Kathy assured us that in most Gypsy families, there is a large emphasis on chastity before marriage, as well as obedience and respect. Okay, maybe not the last two.
I saw a lot of blurred-out body parts.
I don't know what to believe anymore, at least when it comes to media representations of cultures I've never encountered. This is where stigma comes from. If I ever met people who claimed to be "gypsies," "duck hunters" or "fortune tellers," what the hell would I say to them?
I wonder what I'm going to say to the people I know who believe in this shit? "I hate to break this to you, but TLC is WWE for women. In other words, it's FAKE."

Okay, here's the first part of the lesson: Subcultures.
Kathy described subcultures as "Subgroups of a wider society that practice particular behaviors that deviate from social norms, often though not always politically at odds with the dominant group and its social norms...We often belong to several subcultures simultaneously, though often we see one subculture as particularly instrumental in our identity and self-expression."
Countercultures, while similar to subcultures, are politically motivated, in addition to being socially deviant; their goal is to effect change and/or reform.

Examples of subcultures:
Cosplay
Emo
Skater
Nerd
LGBTQ
Biker
Nudist
Trekkie

Examples of countercultures:
Hippie
Vegetarian/Vegan
Anarchist
Survivalist
KKK

Hipster Culture
What do I say about this. We had a 15-minute discussion about this video and I've got nothing.
I guess its purpose was to explain why people hate hipsters so much, the speaker's prime reason being that they "de-value" the things that preceding subcultures held most dear to them, while bypassing the steps required to build "cred" in a specific subculture, instead simply "cherry-picking what they think is neat." I agree; I also think that is the point - to make those who obsess over commodities how ridiculous it all is.
I like that. I might even call it admirable. I still hate indie rock.

Hipsteracism
Hating hipsters is a new form of discrimination. Don't be a hater.