Nowadays it’s hard to get through the day without someone mentioning just how “basic” something is.
According to the world, if you like Chipotle, pumpkin spice lattes, enjoy using Snapchat (or just take selfies in general), leggings, Uggs (or Frye boots here at BC), frozen yogurt, and a never-ending list of other common things found on a college campus, you, too, are “basic.” The phrase is thrown out constantly and can be intended as a cute joke with your bestie or a serious insult. Either way, one thing is true: someone is trying to point out that you are unoriginal.
While this list of “basic” characteristics may leave many people questioning whether or not they are basic, the real question is: “Why are people so set on criticizing each other?” It’s hard enough to get through the day with so many other things threatening our confidence. It’s sad that we live in a society where we take something that could bring us together, such as a shared obsession with pumpkin spice lattes, and use it to tear each other apart. Back in the good old days of elementary school, if you found someone who loved something just as much as you did, it was an instant friendship.
Calling someone “basic” is just another way for people to build themselves up from insecurities. In their minds, they are pointing out that you are unoriginal, unlike them who have mastered being unique. This results from the new fascination with being “hipster.” In this “hipster” era, it’s cool to be different; so, people are going to strive to always be on the cutting edge and call out those who find enjoyment in activities the hipsters deem too common.
The ideas of hipsters and those who are basic are just unfair ways to label people. If you like something that tons of other people like too, that’s awesome – looks like you have good taste. If you like something that no one else really does, that’s just as great. Like what you like and ignore the labels.
Photo Sources:
http://www.shefinds.com/2014/grab-your-psl-and-dress-up-as-a-basic-bh-for-halloween/
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a44940982/gifmeme_party?cpg=53
http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/364by1
http://www.wearesurge.co.uk/5-reasons-to-be-yourself-