“Basic” culture is toxic. Here’s why we are better.
YOU ARE NOT BASIC. No one is. Hear me out on this.
There’s a lot of toxic pop culture language in our society, and it fascinates me how so many of them trap us in cycles of negativity. A lot of what becomes popular vernacular is ultra negative, and I’m not about it anymore.
Here’s a huge example of toxic pop culture: the “FML (Fuck My Life) craze that swept the internet back in 2009-2010ish (and I still hear this from people). And a while back, I shared about how I think the phrase “fake it til you make it” is flawed. The “basic” label is no different.
I’ll raise my hand and admit that I’m an avid over-thinker in this department. But I strongly believe we need to be more intentional with what we say, what we think and what we perpetuate.
Some pop culture language is harmless and funny. Some of it holds us back and tears others down, too (don’t even get me started on cancel culture). We need to consider how we speak to ourselves and others.
Here’s my thing with the “basic” trend (ohhh yes, we are citing Urban Dictionary. We’re going there.) – it’s superficial and totally discounts who a person is at their core.
Look, I get it. I’m not saying this stereotype doesn’t exist. I know the type of persona we’re talking about. And acting that way isn’t the issue, it’s the fact that we gloss over every unique aspect of a human being and give them one label to live up to. Not cool, society.
I believe in the good of people, and that everyone has a story. If you really dive deep with a person – if they’re willing to go there and you’re willing to ask – anyone is interesting. Even if they’re not your cup of tea, they’re worthy. Is that not obvious?
“…we gloss over every unique aspect of a human being and give them one label to live up to.”
I didn’t always think this way, but as I’ve grown older and seen incredible examples of this in my own partner and other people I admire, I see the value in allowing people to shine, in empowering others. This is simply an alternate philosophy on relating to people around us.
Let’s quote good ole Albert here because he makes a great point:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
So let me pose this: Can we apply this to the people around us? What if we lived like everyone was a valuable player on this planet, and that we all have a unique story to tell?
My manifesto on why the “basic” title is bullshit, and why you certainly shouldn’t call yourself “basic,” ever:
We are far from basic. We are so much more interesting, complex and awesome. This word does not do us justice.
Our very existence is freaking incredible.
We have shown up, on this Earth, at this moment in time, with purpose.
The actions we take and the energy we share with the world truly makes an impact. Even on the smallest scale, we are powerful. Don’t dare discount that.
Sure, at our cores, we may be quite simple in a sense. At our essence, we are the same as others. But, that’s profound. That’s not basic.
You have lived a lifetime of lessons and experiences that shaped you into who you are today. And each day, you make choices about how to show up in the world. You have autonomy. You have willpower. You have resilience and tenacity.
I think you’re amazing, fascinating and multi-faceted.
I want to hear your story. You have a unique and worthy perspective on things. You bring so much to the table. Don’t box yourself in.
With this outlook, I am far from basic, and so are you.
“We are far from basic. We are so much more interesting, complex and awesome. This word does not do us justice.”
“Basic” is going along with what everyone else is doing, following the trends, keeping up with the mainstream. However, when we think outside of the box and live according to our intuition, it is impossible to be basic. Everyone is capable of this.
So, if we honestly believe that our thoughts create our lives, in the power of manifestation, in the law of attraction etc., let’s promise to let go of these unhelpful and negative terms that aren’t serving us, and putting ourselves and others into boxes. We can choose to send better energy out into the world around us.
Disclaimer: some people really do suck, I know. But this philosophy brings me peace and helps me demonstrate the utmost compassion for people in this world. It helps me live more selflessly, and admire others for their tenacity and strength, rather than judge them for their shortcomings and the steps on their journey.
Take this into consideration, and if it resonates, please apply this not only to others, but to yourself. You owe it to yourself to embrace your awesome.
