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In Defense of Hipsters

Dave Monaghan September 10, 2008 Dave Monaghan

This article is a response to “Hipster: The Dead End of Western Civilization” (Adbusters #79, Cover Story).

At a bar a few months ago, I overheard a conversation between two women who, to my mind, were the very epitome of hipsterdom.  Their asymmetrical haircuts, tight jeans, vintage T-shirts, fashionable jewelry, Parliament cigarettes and bottles of Pabst Blue Ribbon formed one seamless ensemble of hipster aesthetic so perfect that I knew that one of them had to have a Vespa parked outside.  They were engaged in a vigorous debate, striking charismatic poses as they gestured to underline points.  I turned my ear to them and strained to decipher their words through the thundering sound of a Journey song somebody had chosen, no doubt in a moment of ironic inspiration, to call forth from the jukebox. read more

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Revolution! New Book Charts Roller Coaster Ride of South American Left

Benjamin Dangl September 9, 2008 Benjamin Dangl

Throughout the past eight years of the Bush administration, North and South America have politically and economically been heading in opposite directions. While Bush waged wars, curtailed civil liberties and spread neoliberalism, South Americans stopped corporate looting, ousted corrupt presidents and developed economies for people instead of profit. Journalist Nikolas Kozloff's new book, Revolution! South America and the Rise of the New Leftlooks behind the scenes and politics of this changing continent.

Photo: IndyBay

Dissonant Democracy: Protest, Brutality and Healing at the RNC

Rebecca Trotzky Sirr September 8, 2008 Rebecca Trotzky Sirr

I am hosting dozens of young activists at my home. Even before the out of town activists arrived, our three bedroom house had up to five kids under ten, and four adults. Beginning on the weekend of August 30-31, twenty four youth with their backpacks and zines arrived in groups looking for floor space or a lawn to roll out sleeping bags. My neighbors provided a big soup pot. Before the RNC even started, police raided many community houses in Minneapolis and St Paul. Over the duration of the RNC, 818 people were arrested.

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The Strange Race of John McHyde

Greg Guma September 8, 2008 Greg Guma

The 2008 Presidential race has gradually evolved from an historic high drama into a "high concept" mystery that would give the most adventurous Hollywood producer pause. The nomination of a biracial Senator was unlikely enough, but the twist of a split-personality warrior joining forces with an evangelical Hockey Mom on the competing ticket surely stretches credulity. Yet here we are, watching the latest Presidential Death Match blockbuster.

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Russia, Georgia and The High Cost of Cheap Oil

Sandy LeonVest September 3, 2008 Sandy LeonVest

The days when the US could kill, drill and consume its way out of crisis may have ended. That new reality is made clear by the current conflict between Russia and Georgia, which is looking more and more like one between Russia and the US. The exact moment in history marking the last gasp of the American Empire will likely be debated by historians for years. But there is little doubt that August 7, 2008 will be viewed as a turning point in that history. Georgia's invasion of South Ossetia, followed by Russia's predictable response, may have faded from the US media spotlight, but it is on the front pages of much of the international press - and for good reason.