In a world where it's easy to shy away from living as your authentic self, many who choose to follow their own path are automatically labeled as hipsters. Urban Dictionary says, "Hipsters are a subculture of young men and women...that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter" (urbandictionary.com). It seems that hipster has become an umbrella term to group freethinkers into one, often negative cliche. Often labeled as a hipster myself, I thought that asking others how they feel about this millennial stereotype would break some barriers.

Aria

"Often it's a label I have received from different things I've worn or hobbies I have. I spend a lot of time reading and at coffee shops, and I work at cardboard camp, which brings on the term from others. It's not a word I find offensive or uncomfortable, but it's not something that resonates with me either. It's not a word I have ever associated myself with but I don't really mind being called it either. If anything, it's humorous to me."

Spencer

"I usually get called a hipster whenever I wear flannel, or for my hair, which confuses me because a lot of 'conventional' people have the same style. I'm mainly called a hipster for my music taste, liking nature, and smoking, all things that 'non-hipsters' also enjoy. The term hipster has evolved into describing someone who doesn't like mainstream things or just likes new things. I find it to be a weird stereotype because it's not steadfast like other more racist stereotypes. It's always changing, so so are the hipsters. I don't really think of myself as a hipster but I don't necessarily get insulted when I'm called one. It's just a way I stand out, I guess."

Olivia

"I have been called a hipster more than several times, especially in the past year being away at a college that is more on the preppy side. My definition of a hipster is someone who is true to who they are and will express themselves freely, no matter what others around them are doing...going against the grain or being an independent thinker. Whenever I get called a hipster I usually take it as a compliment. I see it as being unique, and that is something that I really value as an individual. I do think that the term sometimes gets a bad rap, but I think that the people that tend to use it as a negative connotative don't realize that the people they call hipsters most likely don't care what they think of them."

Grace

"I personally do not like being called a hipster. There are the people who try to go for that image...buy the clothes, watch the movies, and listen to the music, but then there are people who grew up out of the norm, like you and me. That's just our life. I've been watching art films since I was little, I went to the opera when I was little, and my favorite album was by Violent Femmes...I wasn't an ordinary kid. People usually label me...yeah, I'm self-centered and pretentious and I take myself a little too seriously, but that only comes up when someone's like 'Oh, you're a hipster though.' Buddy, my interests and image may somewhat line up [with the hipster stereotype] but I like to think of myself as a person and not a label."

Erin

"I have been called a hipster but I wouldn't consider myself to be one. I'd rather not have any labels because I think that they're used for stupid people as a way to understand society better. If someone asked me if I thought I was a hipster, I'd say 'No, I'm a free spirit.'"

Corey

"Sometimes I feel annoyed when my sense of fashion or unorthodox approaches are shunned and called hipster. Other times I feel convinced that I'm being authentic. Sometimes both. Personally, I think hipster is an umbrella term for any way of living that regresses or steps over the current trend; wearing suspenders rather than wearing a belt."

Maddie

"Well I have one example when I wasn't directly called a hipster but it was pretty close. Everyone in choir calls me '90s Mom' because of how I dress and what I listen to. In a way, I like it because it makes me feel unique. However, I don't like the term hipster because of its stigma of being rude and picky."

Dani

"I've been called a hipster before for good things and also things that I feel could be interpreted in a bad way. Someone might call my fashion hipster, but I would understand what they mean and how it was a compliment. But there's a time when it's also used in a more negative way, like someone accusing my liking for video games being for the hipster trend and not because I just enjoyed them. I would say the definition of hipster is actually becoming more flexible...beginning to become more of a broad and flexible term rather than 'liking less mainstream things.'"

Emma

"i usually get called a hipster if I'm with a group of friends or family that have a different style or personality than me. It's more of a sarcastic labeling when they say it. I guess it's just because I like to dress nicer all the time and my style is more unique because I just wear whatever I like and don't care if people don't like it, or even if it goes against society's trends. I also get called hipster for the activities I like, such as my music taste, drawing and painting...I don't really agree that I'm hipster. I'm just doing and showcasing my personality in true light and I don't care what other people think. I'm just happy."

Sofia

"Most people call me a hipster because I dress differently than most...excessive flannels, dresses, skirts...lots of skirts, or because I don't listen to what's most popular. I'd much rather jam to Vampire Weekend or Born Ruffians than the top twenty. I'm not saying I don't enjoy all of what's popular, I just don't prefer it. But I do not really see myself as a hipster at all - I'm just being me. My mom's favorite band is The Cure and my dad's is The Doors so those genres are what I grew up listening to so I can't help it! I feel like the term hipster is just one that someone made up in order to lump anyone who is different into. I'm not intentionally trying to separate myself from what's hip and hoppin', I just have different tastes."