The first hipster

James Dean, Alan Ginsberg or Bob Dylan was not the first hipster. They may have helped define cool or weird or counter-culture but Hunter S. Thompson holds the title of the world's first hipster.

The Gonzo writer loved himself. No respectable human being would take copious amounts of drugs and write about the experience like he was the first person to ever "lose their mind". Have respect for your elders, realize that you're not the first person to do anything and don't treat people like shit just because you can. How did Mr. Thompson treat people like shit? He trashed hotel rooms, destroyed cars and, worst of all, killed himself with a gun. Blue collar workers had to clean up all of his messes. His white collar Rolling Stone editors laughed and marveled at his whirlwind experiences. This is the self-involved giving a hand job to the ultimate hipster.

Anyone can write like Hunter S. Thompson. It's a simple process that requires no drug use, money or writing ability.

Step 1: Stay up all night.
Step 2: Record any/everything that comes in your mind (on paper or on tape).
Step 3: Think up enemies (real or fictional).
Step 4: Define your generation with someone/thing corrupt (war, politician, natural disaster, etc.).
Step 5: Refer to pop culture icons on a first name basis.
Step 6: Mourn the loss of the "good old days".
Step 7: Edit nothing.

There you go, the process of Gonzo journalism. This easily translates into hipster living.

Step 1: Look like you've stayed up all night.
Step 2: Talk about recordings and writings that no one has ever heard of.
Step 3: Think up enemies and mention to everyone how you did a shitload of lines with them.
Step 4: Define yourself with someone/thing corrupt.
Step 5: Refer to tabloid fodder on a first name basis.
Step 6: Mourn the loss of your childhood.
Step 7: Think of no one but yourself and/or celebrities.

You can do it, anyone can do it, no one should do it.