The word basic has been a trending term tossed around on social media and conversation for several years. But what does the word truly mean? To most people, basic has become another way of saying someone or something is “unoriginal” or a “follower”. 

But is there anything actually wrong with that? In this day and age, can anyone truly be original anymore? The problem is that being basic isn’t just saying, “You dress like everyone else,” or “You listen to the same music as everyone else.” It is mainly used to make fun of teenage girls just for liking popular things.

While it could still be hurtful in its early days, it wasn’t as insulting as it is seen to be now. Since then, it has evolved into a tool for bullying, targeting mainly young girls’ clothing, music taste and occasionally even life aspirations. This has gotten out of hand. As someone who has been labeled basic before, I do not understand why listening to a popular artist who worked hard for their success makes me unlikable.

What is really striking is the irony in how society views popularity. We celebrate influencers and  artist’s achievements, but make fun of individuals who enjoy the fruits of that popularity. Enjoying something that is widely liked does not make a person less important or worthy – it reflects human behavior – people are interested in what resonates, what is shared, and what is relatable. 

Some of the ‘basic’ girls have taken this as a compliment. It’s a way of letting other girls know that it isn’t bad to like popular things. Liking popular things should not be something to be ashamed of, so instead of being torn down by this ‘insult’ let us embrace it, join hands and blast some Taylor Swift.