What does it mean to be "Basic"?

"Wow sweater weather! I just love my pumpkin spice lattes and riding boots, does that make me basic?"

As a caucasian female in her late teens being "basic" has been a fear of mine for many years. While some girls strived for Instagram perfection when posting pictures of changing leaves, I have worked toward separating myself from this stereotype. However, while scrolling through my Twitter timeline yesterday I came across a Buzzfeed article titled, "Basic" Is Just Another Word For Class Anxiety. I was intrigued.


The article argued that the term "Basic", which is just a shortened version of the term "Basic B*tch", is the Millennial Generation's way of identifying someone as "inescapably predictable". The Ugg Boots, Starbucks Drinks and leggings have become a staple of a "Basic". Losing the identity of the person behind the straightened hair and North Face jackets. Our generation has chosen to define people based on what they buy rather than what they believe. And what an individual buys does not necessarily have to be a material item, an individual can buy into an image. The obsession with Tumblr and thigh-gaps are perfect examples of the stereotypes that females in our generation look at for inspiration. 




However, we are not the first generation to do this.  The article explains:  




"In the ‘50s, basics were called “men in the gray flannel suit”; in the ‘20s, they were “Babbits.” Back then, the object of anxiety was men’s patterns of consumption, in part because men were still the primary consumers, even for the home; today, women aren’t just consuming more, they are consuming more visibly — which is part of why they’ve become the focus of this generation’s critique. That’s how “basic” is used today: as a means for people anxious about their position within both the purchasing and cultural currency to denigrate [AKA criticize] the purchasing and cultural habits of others."

But whereas in the past men were the main consumers in society, today the role has become primarily female. Therefore, it makes sense that the term basic is often focused on females, especially teenage girls. However, it is common that the most stereotypical “basic” is actually just someone who is a predictable consumer. Someone who will buy from big chain stores and follow trends. The obsession with sites like www.etsy.com, a website focused on selling handmade or vintage items and supplies, stems from individuals need to be unique. We strive to declare our individuality via our capacity to consume differently.

However aren’t there parts of all of us that are “basic”. There is a reason that chain stores are successful. They sell goods that are both high quality and relatively cheap. They mass-produce products, but those items can be sold because they are popular. I may not like UGG boots but you will rarely see me without leggings. And although I think Coffee Tree is better than Starbucks, occasionally a girl needs a Frappuccino.

So here is my challenge for you. Embrace what makes you unique and special, but also learn to love your inner “basic.” Drink your pumpkin spice lattes with pride and feel free Instagram a picture of those beautiful trees, I promise I’ll hit you up with the “like.”

Also feel free to check out 25 Things All Basic White Girls Do During The Fall 

Rachel Stein