What constitutes a “basic girl” changes with viral social media, fashion, beauty and music trends. The term is often used to belittle women for being “unoriginal” or “following the crowd.” Some even view the “basic” idea as one that is unappealing to the male gaze, therefore, it should be avoided, of course. But is it actually that serious?
According to Urban Dictionary, a popular definition website used by younger generations, “basic” can be defined as “someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary or just simply worth devoting time or attention to.”
I am a 21-year-old woman, and I am passionate about the things that bring me joy. I unapologetically scream-sing Taylor Swift at an unnecessary volume every time I am alone in my car. I look forward to pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha lattes as the seasons change. Merrily strolling through the aisles of home decor and beauty products at Target is my idea of a perfect Friday night.
There has always been public ridicule of people who enjoy more “mainstream” topics or hobbies. My mom has shared stories with me from the 90s of her rejecting Britney Spears and the Spice Girls during her high school years and instead opting for edgier, underground artists in an attempt to be seen as nonconformist. Now, we happily sing Billboard Top 100 hits together. However, her experiences have given me insight into the perspective behind avoiding being “basic.”
In middle school, I vividly remember avoiding the musical “Hamilton” and the iconic TV show “Friends” because I did not want to be categorized as someone with common taste. Eventually, I came to understand that the reason these things were so popular was not because they were universally basic but because they resonated with so many people on a deeper level.
Social media has only exasperated the concept of being “basic” as negative.
This general contempt can be attributed to an American individualistic mindset, meaning Americans inherently believe they must be different or original from the rest of their peers or surrounding community, which can often lead to egocentrism.
Throughout my adolescence and young adulthood, I have found that sharing common interests in well-known media or art has been one of the most unifying factors of my friendships. The very first friend I made in college was a result of our mutual love for “The Twilight Saga.” I felt a little less alone in my new life and befriended someone I still hold close to this day.
Superstar Swift, for instance, has created a community of friendship-bracelet-wearing “Swifties” that are now interconnected across the globe. She has chosen to promote positivity and self-empowerment on her massively influential platform through songwriting, and these messages have matriculated into her fanbase. Why would loving a successful artist with an admirable reputation warrant such unnecessary backlash?
This may be a hard pill for some to swallow, but embracing certain hobbies, artists and mediums that connect with vast audiences does not mean that one is submitting to societal conformity — it means appreciating the universal power of shared human connection.
At the end of the day, people should feel unashamed in loving the things that bring them joy, no matter how popular or standard something is. This mindset of diminishing someone to the title of “basic” based on their interests is entirely toxic. No matter one’s interests, they are still an individual with lived, personal experiences that deserve to be recognized.
Take a million selfies, post all over social media, shop at name-brand stores, be in a sorority, show off your body, wear Uggs and Lululemon, enjoy iced coffee and listen to trending music because, at the end of the day, you are not the opinion of someone else who truly does not know you, and you are certainly more than just a one-word title.
