In Defense of “Basic”

Last week at the farmers market, my friends and I were discussing an upcoming Basquiat exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts. One friend in particular was super excited but lamented that Basquiat has become mainstream and now her favorite artist is considered “basic.” Hold up. Who the hell cares?! Seriously. The negativity associated with being “basic” has got to stop. When we examine what makes something basic in popular culture, it typically involves an item or person or trend that many people, particularly women, enjoy or embrace. Think Pumpkin Spice Lattes, scrunchies, and AirForce Ones. What is wrong with liking something other women enjoy? If that is what we want to criticize, it all seems slightly misogynistic. Being or enjoying something that is basic doesn’t have to be a bad thing! You do you! If you like wearing those shoes or listening to that band, keep doing it! As women, we have much bigger problems to tackle and it would do us all good if we brought each other up instead of tearing each other down.