Look at those cool kids over there

Have you ever seen those 'cool' kids with the vintage outfits that appear to come straight from the thrift store? Yes? Then you have witnessed an American subculture on the rise. 
    In an attempt to reject labels and the so called ‘ignorant’ ideology of mainstream culture, Hipsters have created an elite lifestyle of their own. 
    Although fashion is the easiest way by which Hipsters are identified - in the words of Time Magazine, “your grandmother’s sweater and Bob Dylan’s wayfarers,…jean shorts, Converse All Stars and a can of Pabst” - there are many other ways in which they are identified.
    Hipsters never frequent McDonald’s or Dunkin’ Donuts; rather, they tend to flock to local coffee shops and cafes to read works by such authors as Dostoevsky and Burgess.  When they are not at these venues, hipsters can be seen at organic food stores and outdoor farmers markets.  Often turning to foreign films, Hipsters, as with everything else mainstream, reject popular music, listening, instead, to Indie and underground artists. 
    Hipsters came into being through the desire to stray from the popular and traditional ways of modern culture; however, as the ideas of this elite group of individuals have become more popular, the hipster population has grown and become more popular.

wc: 209

Curious?

Post Secret: UMBC

Whether it is how one feels about another, or what one did last weekend, everyone has a secret to share.  Based off of the phenomenon known as Post Secret, started by author Frank Warren in 2004, this project would look into the similar idea here at UMBC.  By looking at the entries in the Joseph Beuys Tree Partnership journal, this project will examine the ideas of anonymity and secrets, and those ideas which people feel society disapproves. The findings will be presented in the form of a small booklet with accompanying pictures relevant to the journal entries.

wc: 97

Shall We Dance

For centuries, dance has been a popular form of socializing in America.  Over the years, dancing has evolved a great deal.  With each major event in history and each wave of social change, dance in America has changed in both purpose and style.  This study will examine dance in each era, from sock hops to discotheques, and how it has changed.  Special attention will be paid to how particular cultural events affected dance in America. 

wc: 75

Apple Pie and Baseball 

When one thinks of America, many times two things pop into his mind: apple pie and baseball.  Baseball has forever been America’s pass time.  When America is in times of trouble, she knows she can always look to baseball to keep her going.  Over the years, baseball has also changed with the times and has created many family traditions.  In this study, the impact of baseball on America will be looked at starting with the rise of baseball, through WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, and ending with the baseball we all know and love today.      

 wc: 95

I Am From My Family

It is difficult to say how one’s opinions, traditions, character, and principles form.  Most people say theirs were formed by their own free mind, or by certain experiences.  I, however, have come to the conclusion that I am a direct product of that motley crew that I love so dearly: my family.  

The other day I received an email from my godfather.  He told me that “it has been an honor and a privilege to watch [me] grow into the woman [I] have become”, and that if I ever need anything, “all [I] have to do is ask”.  To anyone else, this is just a nice email from a distant family member that they haven’t seen in years.  For me, however, this was at least the twentieth time, whether by phone, email, Facebook, or text, that someone has told me the same thing.    I grew up with family down the street, on the other side of town, across the nation, and in a completely different country all together, along with my friends, young and old, and especially those whom I consider the best.  

Although I always knew I had a large family that cared for me, it was not until now, as I begin questioning  my character and principles, that I realized how greatly my family has influenced my thoughts and actions, and how much support I have.  This may be cliché, but I am who I am because of my family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.   

 

Word count:  250