[this is in part a joke essay. satire maybe. take it as you will]

I think that in our modern society, very few cultures are actually associated with ethnicity as they used to be. Now cultures revolve around music, dress, and style. Because of this, I think of myself as not belonging to an ‘American’ or ‘Armenian’ culture, but rather to the Hipster/Indie culture.
Hipsters are generally pretentious types who listen to music that no one’s ever heard of, watch movie’s that no one’s ever seen, and reads books that no one’s ever read. Hipsters are typically associated with their old-school chuck tailors, their too small sweaters, their chunky framed glasses, and their habit of becoming Siamese twins with their iPods. Hipsters typically wear similar outfits, usually consisting of plaid and tight pants, and they drink copious amounts of coffee. Hipsters are the modern bohemians who usually sport liberal arts degrees (usually English). Hipster music typically includes Regina Spektor, Peaches, New Order, and any other underground ‘Alternative’ bands.
Indie on the other hand, is the generally more respectable branch of Hipsters. Indie originally came from the term for Independent Music which represented bands who were not signed to a major label. Now it has evolved into a sense of being and culture. Those of the Indie persuasion typically talk about nothing but music, also have pretentious attitudes, and dress their wardrobe with a great deal of plaid and things with owls on them. Indie music ranges from Passion Pit, to Modest Mouse, to Marina & The Diamonds, to Johnny Foreigner.
I would definitely put myself in these two categories. I typically end up listening to very obscure music, but I don’t do it unintentionally. It just so happens that a lot of great music is undiscovered, and when I find it, I tend to enjoy it. And I always have my iPod with me. An iPod malfunction is one of the most detrimental things that can occur. However, unlike a great deal of hipsters, I don’t have a lot of money, and thus my wardrobe doesn’t intentionally have the thrift store look. That’s just how it occurs. And chuck tailors and plaid and owls have become a typical part of my wardrobe. What can I say? I love plaid, and flannel is wicked comfy. Hipsters also tend to reside in Williamsburg, New York. This is my dream place to live, because I have been there, and the atmosphere is incredible. However, just living in New York City is a major goal of mine. Like most hipsters, I am unfortunately addicted to caffeine and I plan on pursuing a liberal arts degree, in Creative Writing actually.
Most people typically look down on hipsters and indies. Yet being a hipster/indie is no less ‘stupid’ than being an ‘emo’ or ‘rocker’ or ‘popcore’ or a ‘goth’ (however, being ‘scene’ is just plain dumb). Hipsters/Indies just happen to have a ridiculous obsession with music and they like to share that with everyone they encounter. And while hipsters tend to think of themselves are smarter than everyone else, let’s face it. They kind of are. And just to end this essay with a joke:

How many hipsters does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Psh. You don’t know?

on a bed i lie
with my back caressing the soft quilt blanket.
winds mix above my head,
mixing the smoke rings and perfume
which filters through my room.

Everything else in the world
has now become merely a minute expression.
a Blip in the system.
a Flaw in the argument.

only the sticks are important to me
for nothing else will ever matter.
notes float through;
mingling with the smoke and 'fume;
forming a trio of their own.

an open window allows the world to see
the mess that lies inside.
Withdrawing from all that which is around.

connections are useless.

however, in this fog of smoke and music;
happiness has yet to elude me.
as i reach for another
a grin breaks upon my face.
perhaps existence isn't futile.