The death of summer is apparent as leaves begin to change, pumpkins start to appear, and our summer wardrobe gets shoved to the side for scarves and longer socks. But it’s not officially Autumn until everyone’s favorite famous siren themed coffee house announces that their ever so popular Pumpkin Spice Latte is available for consumption yet again.
Since the start of Pumpkin Spice season, I’ve read at least three separate people state that it’s now, “Basic Bitch Season”. For those not in the know, here’s an Urban Dictionary definition of a “Basic Bitch”:
a girl who attends high school, wears Uggs, leggings, oversized sweaters, and posts pictures of her iced Starbucks white chocolate caramel soy latte on instagram and constantly makes fun of other “basic bitches” because she believes she isn’t like them.
We mock these girls who wear oversized sweatshirts, leggings, and Uggs. Why? Have you ever worn leggings as pants? It’s really frickin’ comfortable and I don’t blame them. Uggs are so soft and fuzzy. They’re great! Especially in the fall when your toes feel like they’re going to fall off. Don’t get me started with oversized sweatshirts. They’re really soft on the inside and you can pull your hands in and then hit someone with the floppy sleeves and it won’t hurt them that bad. Honestly, like the whole thing is just a combo of good, comfy things.
I used to be in this boat of ridiculing people who had a really complicated order at Starbucks, but then I would walk up to the counter and then..well…make a really complicated order. Starbucks has a way of letting you personalize your drinks to fit your personal preference, and yet we ridicule the people, specifically young women, who do this.
Why do we do this?
My theory is that the term “Basic Bitch” is another way of forcing women to fit into a very specific gender role that they’re supposed to be in. It’s giving a very negative connotation to a woman who dresses in a very comfortable manner (as opposed for appearance) and expresses her opinions on something that she actively enjoys. Heaven forbid that women actually ENJOY something without being shamed for it.
If you think that I’m wrong, look at the criticism of any boy band out there. People claim that they’re “not real music” when in reality boy bands hold a lot of power and contribute to a significant part of popular culture. The girls who are fans of them are considered “crazed fan girls” and are often scoffed at.
Regardless of whether or not a boy band produces high quality music or not, people shouldn’t be ridiculed for enjoying their work. Much like whether or not Pumpkin Spice Lattes is real coffee or not. The consumption of these things shouldn’t be ridiculed because they don’t fit a particular standard of “high quality”.
So to all my basic bitches out there, stay basic. Love the things you love and love it LOUD. We’re constantly held back, criticized, and muffled. Don’t be afraid to unapologetically be who you are, love what you love, and wear what you want. Enjoy your iced soy caramel macchiato with an add shot because you deserve it and you should keep loving yourself.
Stay basic, bitches.
Super Heroine Addiction 