Author: Pia Bocanegra
More often than not, we tend to mock others who we consider “basic”. While the use of the term was initially used to describe anything popular or mainstream, basic-ness has slowly become synonymous to a characteristic that makes an individual uninteresting. As a result, people avoid being basic because they are inclined to be different from the majority, and thus shun elements of culture they think warrant a side-eye.
There’s something inherently uncool and embarrassing in liking what everyone likes. But why is this the case? Where did this inclination come from? Have we evolved into a society full of hipsters?
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Take the case of Justin Bieber’s recent release of his fourth studio album, ‘Purpose’. Ever since Justin Bieber’s “One Time” days, fan girls have been swooning over his music. I’ve never been one of those Beliebers but I have to admit ‘Purpose’ is his best album yet. Regardless of how basic liking ‘Sorry’ or ‘Love Yourself’ can be, it shouldn’t taint how we view his music. In this day and age, everyone is so concerned about what’s considered basic or not; however, we should simply like whatever we want to like. It’s one thing to not succumb to peer pressure but it’s another thing, to be repelled from liking something just because everyone else does.
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At the other end of the spectrum, “hipster culture” doesn’t have it much easier. At the same time that basics are derided for being too conformist, we regard people who like obscure things as try-hards because we assume they do so for the sake of being alternative and different. Therein lies the irony: whether you choose to be like everyone else or try to be different, someone somewhere will have something to say about it. Why are we so concerned about what everyone thinks if it’s impossible to please everyone?
With every basic thing in this world–be it pumpkin spice lattes, yoga pants, or Uggs–there is a legitimate reason why most people like it. So you happen to like the same things as everyone else–why should that stop you from liking them, especially if they are things simply good in their own right? Don’t get me wrong: if everyone liked the same things, life would be pretty boring. But if you’ve admittedly been enjoying a few mainstream things lately, embrace it. Everyone has an inner “basic” – he or she may just be too afraid to show it.
