"Well EXCUUUUSE me for LIVING"

The first time I heard the term "Basic" to describe a women I felt like a tea-kettle seething on the stove top. I was watching a YouTube video, some sort of comedy sketch I guess, in which a "doctor" was diagnosing a woman with an incurable, horrible disease called "Basic."

I was so offended by this video. I'd never considered myself to be boring, mediocre, plain or uninteresting until I learned the new definition of this word. After two minutes of watching,  I immediately felt shamed for all of the things I enjoy- Zumba, The Bachelor, Starbucks, Netflix etc. The video made me really mad when I realized that all women who like things that women like, are now suddenly diseased? Jeez!

Historically, the word "basic" has a neutral meaning. It is meant to be harmless. I think this is why such an offensive word slipped through the cracks and became so popular in recent years. People might use it because they think it's funny, not blatantly offensive and artfully vague, but at the end of the day it is a word that's condescending, loaded with misogyny, and keeps women down. 

When I think of the "symptoms" of being "Basic", I cannot think of a single woman (of the First World) who does not like at least ONE of these things:

-Starbucks (Really, we're going to attack women for liking coffee)?

-Yoga (Ok, let's also put down women who enjoy strength and mindfulness).

-Netflix (Yeah, screw all women who enjoy the most common thing to do when bored)!

-Going out with the girls (yeah, effff those women who have a group of friends)!

-Beyonce (Sure, hate on girls who love the most iconic female artist of our generation).

-Wine (If I didn't get you with the first five I think I got you here).

When I read these "symptoms" my inner 90's kids wants to jump out and say "well excuuuuuuse me for LIVING" and roll my eyes. Maybe I'll have this reaction next time someone shames me for liking things women like.

Seriously, who isn't basic? I've tried to come up with outliers....perhaps a chill AF stoner girl who volunteers in foreign countries? But then isn't that kind of basic on a "wanderlust" level? (And she probably likes yoga)!

What about a badass athletic woman who is strong, dedicated and talented? One who wins championships and can beat a any guy at her sport? Nooooooooope- she probably enjoys dressing up and going out dancing with her team every once and awhile. 

What about a girl who grew up on the Bible Belt who was home schooled and and has 10 other siblings? Even with her there is a good chance she likes a good Beyonce tune now and then.

Conclusion- The word "basic" puts all women down in the most subtle way and we should stop using it. It is not funny, useful or positive.