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I Wrapped Up TheBefore I Dieproject Two Weeks Ago Today. Throughout The Month I Was Surprised At The
I wrapped up the Before I Die project two weeks ago today. Throughout the month I was surprised at the speed at which the wall filled up -- about every two days. The responses came mostly from young students, and it was a great joy to read their responses. Though they've grown up on an isolated, struggling island, their dreams were filled with the humor, warmth, and excitement I would expect from children anywhere. I was happy to give them and other people a chance to speak about their dreams. The project is featured permanently on the Before I Die website.
More Posts from Zacharytrebellas
"I had been ready to give up the word [hipster] in search of a new one to unite today’s bohemians, but now I want to take it back. After all, there’s no reason we should sit back and remain the victims of journalists. People have been redefining themselves for centuries to gain power and solidarity. In the nineties, LGBT people reclaimed “queer” and launched a political offensive. More recently “nerd” and “slut” have emerged as sources of pride and group identity for other maligned groups of people. I’m tired of sitting by and watching others control the narrative around me..."
http://sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/archive/?p=20497
The first submission to i identify as by a high schooler! Submit your own self-definition. Check out the how-to at: http://iidentifyas.tumblr.com/
I've had enough with the media's disparaging use of the word "hipster" towards today's young creatives. I think it's time to take back our narrative and defend all the great aspects of our lifestyle.
Anyway, I wrote an article this week on the subject: Taking Back Bohemia
Image credit: Jon Wolfe. Logan Square, Chicago. 2012.