014: "That's so aesthetic." Girl, no it's not.
I see a lot of people on social media lately talking about how "aesthetics" ruined everything... and this is not true. What is ruining us is an overall... and overwhelming... lack of vocabulary words and the fact social media keeps creating these categories that users are literally forcing themselves into because they don't feel cool unless they follow the flock. I get it. I just don't condone it.
"That's so aesthetic"... Girl, no it's not and please never say that again. OMG! I do not want to have to give a lesson on a language I was forced to speak… I actually just deleted the five sentences of English class that I typed up because I refuse to do that. I just don't know what is up with this generation and regurgitating words and phrases and using them wrong... and then making it the popular thing to do because no one dares to make the correction or stand out. Not to mention, when the brave ones do, there is a large possibility of them being called elitist, classist, or worse. It's just that sometimes confidently and boldly ignorant people make smart people's heads hurt.
This reminds me of this whole "delulu in my Lulu" trend. First of all, I have a strong aversion to the overuse and misuse of the word "delusional” because I feel like words hold power, and if there is something you want, rather than calling yourself “delusional,” why not declare over yourself a knowing in the fact that it is already yours? Plus, just because people don’t agree with this doesn't mean that they don’t think you should wear the brand. Just act normal. I digress. That’s not what we're here for, but it does highlight how the improper yet popular use of certain words/phrases can be more destructive than meets the surface.
Words hold power. We must be more intentional with the little atmospheres we create with our words and the energy we put out. It plays directly into the larger atmosphere that we must all share. That lack of integrity, intention, and education is exactly why society is in the state it's in now... the catalyst for this post.
My second point is that society has a habit of creating these categories that essentially could NEVER ever be inclusive to everyone because, news flash: there are nearly 8 billion people in the world, and not everyone is gonna have the facial structure of an animal or fit into one of the five trending aesthetics at the moment. Like boo… you don't have a fox face or a fawn face, you look like a human girl, and that is perfect! And you don't need to go get your eyebrows surgically lifted to look like a fox either because once the other girlies’ filler starts dissolving, or they decide that they no longer want to look like an animal, you will have gone into Care Credit debt and completely changed your facial anatomy to fit into a trend that has died. You should really trust me on this. I feel like I am constantly revisiting this “Be yourself” lecture, but that’s what it boils down to every time.
Also, let's be clear. I am not anti-surgery. I am anti-celebrity reference photo, anti-aesthetic chasing. I am pro-DOING YOU!
In deciding which vibe you want to take part in, it should always just be what is true to you. And at this point, I'm done with the “it’s easier said than done” trope because being yourself is like the easiest thing in the world to do. Did you even hop up out the bed and turn your swag on before running to socials to give yourself another reason not to like who you are? What you would have worn if you didn't have the fear of being perceived, is your true SWAG. How you would have styled your hair if “buss down middle part” wasn’t a catchy phrase, is probably how you should wear it, and if that's a 40-inch jet black middle part, then you go, girl! If it’s a mohawk… you go too! Trying to please everyone and always be liked, however, is in fact mission impossible, and this will always be easier said than done. It can never be done. And you’ll hurt yourself in the process. You should not require an audience or approval in order to be you. We’ve gotta stop enabling self-hatred. I'm pushing confidence from this point forward. Be confident, simple. I don't need to tell you to love yourself, just stop giving a damn.
Stop following trends you do not resonate with personally. Start one and let everyone else catch up. Stop looking to the girls to decide how to dress. Compliment yourself on something right now. Personally, I love my outfit today, but I always love how I dress. I like how I accessorized today and I also love my attitude today. I am cool af. So are you. Have a great day.
xoxo, VC
OG post date: jun.12.24
