No, really! Stay with me! (Or just scroll down...) I've really been digging reading all the blog posts in response to James Poniewozick's recent Time article about "hipster parents." (I swear, this is the last I will speak of this, because this horse can't get any deader.)
I read my blogs through Bloglines and whenever I want to read about a particular topic (or research something) I do a Bloglines (or Technocrappi) search. Type in "hipster parent" into the Bloglines search bar and so many thoughtful blog posts surface.
Here are a few of my favorite posts on this tired (and soon-to-be-tired-er) subject:
- To know Asha Dornfest is to love Asha Dornfest. And how can you not love this oldie but goodie?
- Ditto for Pierre Kim (though we've never met).
- Since she was quoted in the article, Rebecca responds, and brilliantly, I might add.
This subject has brought out the best in bloggers, but it's funny how much this issue pisses people off.
In reading through the posts one theme emerges, and it's true, parents are just trying to do the best they can. It's not about parents putting themselves first, it's about parents trying to retain some sense of self in order to be better parents, because in the end, it's about the children, people.
Finally, I'd like to leave this issue behind with:
10 reasons why I will never be mistaken for a hipster parent.
1. I have no idea who the Misfits are. I've seen the t-shirts but...yeah. They don't ring a bell. My children don't really wear rock n roll onesies, but they have been known to show their love for a certain someone who "writes the songs that make the whole world sing." And, no, it's not an ironic t-shirt, because I really do love him and I'm proud to share that love with my children.
2. Okay, my kids have seen Laurie Berkner in concert, but I'm positive that my trip to the American Idols Live! concert cancels out any of that "hipster cred." And I am not ashamed to admit that Ace "I Will be Your Father Figure" Young (far right) was my favorite. (Again, with the killing of the hipster cred.)
3. I know the lyrics to more 38 Special, Journey, Styx, and Tubes songs than anyone has a right to. I can sing Chicago, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, and, um, Les Miserables start to finish. I also know the lyrics to a couple of Chilliwack songs. Uh-huh, that's right. I can sing "My Girl." By heart.
4. I go to karaoke bars... with my mom.
5. I take pictures of kimchi. Because I love it. Mmmmmmmm.
6. One of my favorite movies is Clear and Present Danger. We own it, and literally bust it out 3-4 times a year. And everytime, I watch it like I've never seen it before. (My all time favorite movie, however, is about the quest for the perfect bowl of ramen.)
7. I dislike most music where acoustic guitar is the focus. And I fucking HATE the Beatles. (Yeah, I said it.)
8. I have never watched an entire episode of the Daily Show, the Colbert Report, the Simpsons, Star Trek, Battlestar Gallactica, Strangers with Candy, Kids in the Hall, The Office, or South Park. I despise animation geared for adults.
9. I prefer American cheese on my burgers and in my grilled cheese sandwiches.
10. When I was in 8th grade, I used to wear a royal blue, puffy, Eddie Bauer, down vest with a "Why Be Normal," button pinned to it. I paired that with a Mr. Zogs Sex Wax long sleeve t-shirt (with the collar cut out), plaid cropped pants, slouch socks, and checkerboard Vans. My bangs were high and crispy. The moment I put on that outfit (and the Sebastian Styling Spritz hit my bangs), any shred of hipster cred I ever had, shriveled up and died.
