#10: being too legit to quit

Here at OBU we value individuality and going against the grain, for we know that it is the only way to truly fit in. Not only is embracing one another's originality a way to celebrate diversity, it can also be a form of encouragement. For instance, just last week I saw a girl with some really tight bangs, and I thought she was just so darn cute, so I decided to encourage her in her unique style choice by getting my haircut exactly the same way. Imitation: the highest form of flattery.

At the caf, you might often find yourself in the classic let's-talk-about-bands-that-no one-else-has-ever-heard-of conversation. This can be a little overwhelming at first if you're a newbie and can't quite figure out how to jump into the convo. I find the best way to get in there is to invent a band name. Though it maybe a stretch of the truth, this method shows that you too enjoy a good Indie album in your spare time (preferably on Vinyl--CDs just can't pick up those subtle overtones). Be sure to make your faux-band title sound simultaneously obscure, vague, and profound, such as "Postmodern Rocket." Another formula for band name creation is {"the"+"[noun]"+"s"}--i.e. "The Hands," "The Stopwatches," "The Go-Go Gadgets." I could go on and on. Also, don't feel guilty if sometimes you need to pretend like you enjoy the band they're talking about, even if you've never heard of them. Just be sure to throw in "yeah, their album's pretty good, but have you heard them live? Epic."

The great thing about Ouachita's artsy scene is that it comes with a Christian twist. I mean, nothing says I'm a hipster AND I love social justice like a good 'ole pair of TOMS shoes. Also, fortunately for us, the growth of the Indie subculture amongst our generation has inspired a whole slew of Christian Indie bands to emerge from those garages and sneak their way into the local coffeehouse/liberal arts college scene. We now have a positive to alternative to K-LOVE for our cars! And let's not forget about those they-might-secretly-be-Christians bands with their soul-searching lyrics and hints of spirituality. Wait, what's that you say? Jon Foreman hot, Switchfoot not? I can't even talk to you. Your just so real right now.




**the writer of SOL would like to preemptively apologize to all of her good friends who may be offended by this article. It's all in love...and well maybe a little bitterness held over from too many "let's-talk-about-bands-no one-else-has-ever-heard-of" convos. :)