The Basic White Girl

We’ve all seen the articles circling the internet. “28 Things Basic White Girls Do,” or “10 Basic White Girls that Need to Be Stopped.” They’re funny. I laugh at them. And I also find myself sinking down into my seat a little. Because, like the “Basic White Girl,” I too enjoy Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They’re like heaven in a cup.  They’re warm, and spicy…to me, they taste like fall looks. I also love to wear leggings. Those things are stretchy and comfy and warm but simultaneously breezy. They could possible be the most perfect article of clothing in existence.  And don’t even get me started on Instagram. I love it…all those filters at my fingertips. It’s a whole new world of possibilities for my photos.

And yet, I feel ashamed of these things.

            In a society where we condemn slut-shaming and bullying, where we preach acceptance, I’m afraid to stand up and say “Hey! I like everything pumpkin flavored! I’m wearing leggings and a flannel! My favorite instagram filter is Walden!” because I will be called a basic b***h, and mocked because of what I wear, what I enjoy doing, and how I talk.

            I remember being mocked as a kid. I liked to read. I wasn’t good at sports, nor did I ascribe to the football-is-life lifestyle. I didn’t party, didn’t drink, didn’t do drugs. I baked, I played the piano, I read 3 chapter books a week. I liked going to church! And I was made fun of. I was called goody-two-shoes, prude, and naïve.  Because I didn’t like what other people liked. I was different. But not the “cool” kind of different that deserved to be given a place in society. No, I was the kind that people tried to change, tried to conform to the ideas of society. Because of the things I liked. And the hobbies I enjoyed. And the activities I chose not to participate in.

            In the midst of trying to make the world a safe place for everyone to be themselves, we have started to shame those people who we view as “basic.” Why? Because they’re different from us? Or because they’re not different enough? Because they identify with a group other than our own? So they aren’t “real” hipsters...that doesn't mean they can't wear flower crowns, sun dresses, and ankle boots. So what if they wear Ugg boots with their nike shorts? They like to keep their feet warm while wearing what I think we all can agree is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing currently available. So what if they didn’t like Lana Del Ray before she made it big? I don't really think Lana cares when her fans jumped on board. AND SO WHAT IF THEY DRINK PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES 3 TIMES A DAY? They like pumpkin. A lot.

Who are we to mock someone for that?