It’s the first day of fall! Many are super excited to order their Pumpkin Spice Lattes and wear their new Lululemon sets to school. Before they can even sit down in their seat, someone mutters, “ugh… they’re so basic.”
In today’s world, being labeled as “basic” can feel like an insult. The term refers to people who like things that are widely popular. This can be Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Lululemon leggings or mainstream pop, often making them look “unoriginal.” It may seem harmless, but being called basic can make many people feel excluded and judged. So, why is it such a big deal whether someone dresses more basic-casual rather than alternative, or listens to popular songs instead of underground bands? Why is there so much shame attached to this label, especially in a culture that claims to value self-expression?
Social media has set a standard of standing out rather than simply being yourself. Social media, in general, often showcases people’s unique styles, encouraging the idea that different is better. In reality, being different isn’t necessarily “better.” Being “basic” should be just as respected as people with “unique” styles, because that, too, is a form of self-expression.
For example, Tiktok trends make fun of people a lot of the time for wearing the same things or liking the same music. There’s the “basic girl starter pack” trend, where content creators will put various photos of things like iced coffee, UGGs, Taylor Swift and Lululemon together – as if there’s something wrong with liking that stuff. It sends the message that enjoying anything popular makes you boring or fake, which can leave many feeling hurt.
Being “basic” doesn’t mean there is a lack of character or that someone isn’t their own person. Liking mainstream trends, brands, styles, and music is really just a matter of personal taste, and it doesn’t always have to be about fitting in or standing out. Our society and culture values uniqueness, so it can be easy to forget that liking popular things is still a form of self-expression. It’s important to stop judging people for what they like and see that everyone’s tastes are valid.
Some people may think that being basic means you’re trying too hard or copying others. But actually, it’s completely normal to like things that many other people like. Not everything has to be niche or underground.
Sometimes the reason something is popular is because it’s genuinely good. No one should feel like they have to change themselves just to avoid being called “basic.”
You don’t need to go out of your way to be different from the person you are just to be accepted into society. You are here to understand yourself, not to be understood. So don’t change yourself for anybody.