Autumn is back, and you know what that means for every influencer out there: it’s time for pumpkin spice lattes, oversized sweaters, boots and rustic country-style decorations. These are some obvious examples of what it means to be “basic”: mainstream and unexceptional, an adjective usually pinned on “white girls.”
We often reject things considered basic solely because they have that word tacked on, even though these things are often enjoyable, delicious or fun—but we have no issue strictly adhering to trends. What’s the difference? What makes some things basic or boring, and others vogue?
It seems that basic things start off as trends, then enter popular culture and get accepted by everyone. A good seasonal example is the pumpkin spice latte. It was created in 2003 but became extremely popular a few years later. While it was initially well-liked, once it became well-liked by everyone, it turned into the stereotypical personal emblem of “white girls” everywhere.
That seems to be the process for basicity—something is created, enters mainstream society, becomes over-popularized, gets termed “basic” and then becomes associated with “white girl” culture. Of course, basicity isn’t just for “white girls”—plenty of guys have their own line of basic products, like backwards caps, cargo shorts and lifting. Basicity shouldn’t be restricted to white girls and guys but for some reason it gets pinned primarily on white people.
How do we determine what becomes a trend and what becomes basic? Many basic things seem to be one dimensional—they leave little to no room for variation. Trends like athleisure, TikTok and laptop stickers seem to allow individuality (to some degree) and leave room for personal expression. Basic things, on the other hand, seem to leave less wiggle room, and we are inclined to reject them often for this reason. Why would we reject things that tie us to others and create a common ground? Especially if many of these things are generally agreed upon to be delightful, why would we snub them?
Individuality is prized, especially for young adults. Almost everyone goes through a phase where they only want to be homologous with their peers, which is immediately followed by a rejection of all things mainstream and popular, and a drive to be independent and unique. We want to be able to express and accept ourselves, which also gets broadcasted by teachers and parents.
Many of us want to seem above trends and reject duplication, welcoming only autonomy. Our culture dictates that we are all special, each a distinct snowflake. Interestingly, while many of us disown a basic lifestyle, there are plenty of others who still subscribe to it.
The VSCO trend has made its way through the populace, frequently seen and even more frequently taunted. Just like everything else basic, it started as a major craze and is now in the process of becoming another basic “white girl” hallmark.
VSCO girls seem to have more individuality expressed in their trend than previous basic designations. So, are basic things just overdone trends? Or are they instead markers for the stereotypical “white girl?” Most basic things are, as mentioned, designated for the “white girl” community, so is it just another general descriptor, like “bro” or “redneck?”
Basic seems to be on its own plane, however. While “bro” things might be more constrained to a particular group, “basic” seems to have transcended social categories and has aspects more widely appreciated than other groups might, but it also means it gets more flack and bad press. Basicity isn’t just a group of stereotypes to describe white girls that has become common discourse, it’s also a good representation of how we view trends and decide which ones are viable or not.
Olivia Schmidt is a biology and English double major sophomore who has one major thing in common with kindergarteners: most of her school things are animal themed.