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CJ and Brett talk about Christian Hipsters, the Missional Movement, and Catch Phrases that should never be heard from again in 2009. |
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CJ and Brett talk about Christian Hipsters, the Missional Movement, and Catch Phrases that should never be heard from again in 2009. |
| CJ is a writer, artist, and cultural communicator with a passion for raising a new generation of innovative leaders and forward thinkers. He is ConversantLife.com's Social Evangelist and manages their Undiscovered Artist Platform. |
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Comments
I think that critical approach to how we live our lives as Christians in relation to culture is something largely overlooked by the church. Thanks, Brett, for speaking out on this.
I'm not sure how this fits into the hipster image, but I am constantly seeing bumper stickers for "Not of this World" (NOTW). It is presented in a logotype that could be perceived as reading "Not Now." I find this trend to be somewhat upsetting because it presents an elitist message of the Christian faith; it conveys that we are above those of the world, and it does this, often, from SUV's or vehicles that show that we are quite invested in material possessions of this world. I'd be interested to hear Brett's thoughts on these bumper stickers.
Hate to beat a dead horse, but what you are discussing here is the marketing product life cycle. Do you remember when skinny jeans first came back on the market? They were an 80s throwback that showed up in magazines and culture commentators said would not take hold (Product introduction). At this stage early adopters and innovators buy in (these are the people who are actually cool and don't care what anyone else thinks) but the average user holds back. The fashion magazines are populated and informed by this small population of forward thinkers.
Next, if the early adoption/product introduction takes off (and it doesn't always) the next stage begins (growth). At this stage "mainstream" companies get in the game. They see the trend and recognize that they can get in on the action. The innovation moves in the direction of a trend but is not there yet.
Then comes maturity. Now the innovation has moved into a trend (like when your favorite underground band starts playing on top 40 radio). At this stage the average person embraces that which they thought they would never embrace (I will NEVER wear skinny jeans vs. ALL I wear is skinny jeans). At this stage, the true innovators move on to the next thing, Walmart starts selling skinny jeans and soccer moms start wearing them.
This leads to the final stage (saturation) and the trend goes out of favor i.e. hipster cool is now hipster poser. This becomes exacerbated in subcultures (i.e. Christian subculture) where people are not on the cutting edge. Said another way, by the time it hits the Christian subculture, it has been out of the East Village or urban center long enough that it is frequently already in growth or maturity stage in the broader culture.
So, find the people who were shopping at Urban Outfitters 7 or 8 years ago and see what they are wearing today and you might have a fighting chance of actually dressing cool.
Of course this speaks only to style/externals. The implications of Christians following the broader culture rather than leading it is another matter altogether.
I'm confused. First "hipster" is defined by a way person dresses. Then, true hipster vs. poser hipster is defined by one's commitment to a reactionary ideology, as if true hipster is some enlightened philiosophy that one should aspire too. But isn't "hipster" really talking about outward appearance? Many Christians share a deepening world ethic and missional focus that you are talking about here without feeling the need to outwardly communicate that in their clothing choices, haircuts, music preference, etc. I don't think you are trying to be smug, but I can see where it would be perceived that way. Perhaps I'm just picking up on the tension you are holding between being part of a culture that you seem a bit fascinated with, and at the same time are trying to call out of complacency.
At the end of the day, I think one's interest in emo bands and deconstructed jeans really has little relevance to their personhood. To me, it has more to do with geographical, social, and economic background.
Kristen
Hey Kristen,
I'm pretty much on the same page you are. This was just an interview to get to know Brett a little more and delve a little deeper into what he's trying to say.
Great commentary on Facebook and "identity maintenance". As I watched this, I realized this will be one of the great challenges to Christians of the 20-something generation and younger. I'm glad you've taken a critical approach to addressing it and its implications. (Perhaps a book in itself!)