The Problem With Being Basic

It’s fall, which means people across the land (of America, at least) either celebrating or lamenting the popularity of Ugg boots, black leggings, Northface jackets, and things flavored with bland imitations of pumpkin.

These are the identifiers of “basic bitches,” or “basics,” the widely mocked, somewhat conceptually vague individuals who subscribe to these and other rather boring lifestyle choices. At the same time, others argue that there is nothing wrong with liking these things in and of themselves, so people shouldn't be called out for being basic. Some even say it’s just another form of sexism, although the “basic bro” is also very much a thing (shorts in all forms of weather, crew cuts, enjoys the taste of Budweiser).

Of course, it’s true that these individual items and the people who like them aren’t necessarily bad. I myself own a Northface jacket—it’s pretty clutch for camping and outdoor activities. I’d bet Ugg boots are super comfy, although out of my price range. And, as Black Girl Dangerous points out, pumpkin spice has a long, storied, decidedly-not-basic history that should not be erased.

But there is something wrong with being basic. There’s a difference between wearing certain things or drinking certain beverages just because you like them, and the groupthink preferences that make one truly basic. The problem is that these “preferences” aren’t really individual choices for people like this—they’re signifiers of an in-group/out-group dynamic. If you like these things, if you wear the uniform, then you can (in many locations) safely be assumed to be part of the “normal” majority, and thus gain social capital. This capital often manifests itself in the form of harassment of anyone who doesn’t fit the mold. That harassment might be as simple as a pointed side-eye or a giggle behind a hand. But it exists.

In their most recognizable form, basics are simply high school mean girls (and guys). They might grow up to be college mean girls/guys, and then PTA mean girls/guys with children of their own, quietly mocking the parents whose lifestyles don’t fit into the cardigan-and-SUV crowd. That doesn’t mean that cardigans and SUVs are bad. But the idea that these things are required to be part of the “good parent” club is bad.

Most of us can recall some sort of cool-kid group that put us through hell in our school years. (Unless you were one of those cool kids, in which case, hopefully you've learned from your mistakes.) But the connection between that group and “basics” isn’t discussed very often, which is surprising to me. Being basic isn’t something that needs to be defended or celebrated, as people often seem to think. Go ahead and order your pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, if that’s what you really want. But it might be worth thinking about why you’re doing it. What kind of group does that recognizable coffee cup allow you to associate yourself with? People with money for a $6 latte, for starters. What would it mean to order the pumpkin latte at a smaller, local coffeeshop instead? Or to bring your own mug and save a paper cup, which means no one can see where you buy your coffee?

As an artist, to me the ability to be creative and think for oneself is one of the most precious things we have. And that’s something that gets sacrificed in a basic lifestyle. The issue isn’t the specific things “basics” wear or do. It’s the impetus behind those things. It’s the idea that doing the popular, easy, convenient thing is somehow better than making a different choice, even though you may want that choice more if you really think about it. It’s a sort of lifestyle laziness that does a disservice both to yourself and the world. People should wear what they want, not what they think they should wear. They should drink the coffee they like, not the coffee with the most recognizable label and convenient locations.

Being basic means being so unable to think for yourself that you adopt signifiers of what you perceive to be the dominant culture, and then use that strength in numbers to act as a gatekeeper for what is acceptable for others to be. Being basic might mean dying your hair pastel pink because it’s trendy, but still believing a natural Afro to be “unprofessional.” There’s often a lot of racism—either subtle or blatant—in basic circles.

Being basic can also mean, at times, adopting signifiers of other cultures in the form of cultural appropriation, because once you think of yourself as a cultural gatekeeper to what is “normal” and “cool,” temporary adoption of other “abnormal” cultures is a fun, recreational activity—as long as one has no real connection to said cultures. See: frat parties with themes like “thuglife” or “cowboys and Indians.” Also see: sugar skull makeup on white girls for Halloween. Basics pick and choose the visual aspects of other cultures for fun party times, without ever thinking about the damage they may cause.

If you’ve had basic moments in your past, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad person. I’ve had my own moments of trying to dress to “fit in.” There was a time when I was, in fact, doing my very best to be basic, because I was tired of being made fun of by the mean girls in my own high school. I thought—incorrectly—that wearing Abercrombie and Fitch jeans, American Eagle hoodies, and fresh white sneakers would fix everything. Even though I didn’t really like dressing that way, I convinced myself it was my preference for a year or two. But serious self-reflection and the help of more accepting friends made me realize that I could do better things by being myself. If I dress like myself, and think about making my choices reflect me rather than some group that it’s convenient to be associated with, I might inspire other people to do the same.

So by all means, do and wear the things that make you happy. But make sure to do no harm while you’re doing it. The big-box name brand might not be as ethical as something locally produced, and it’s probably not worth the brand recognition. If you think your appearance and lifestyle gives you the power to judge others simply because they don’t fit in, reconsider. And it’s just as important to do no harm to yourself. Think about who you really are, rather than who the world might want you to be. Even if you’re still in Ugg boots and leggings, make sure you're being genuine. And if you’re being genuine, then you probably aren’t being basic.

If you like my writing, you can find more of it at elysehauser.com.