Here's a little back story about me so you can see a bit of who I am and why I'm writing this.

I was born white, I identify as female, and I am part of the mid to lower middle class. I've also been attending private school on scholarship since I was in seventh grade. When I transferred to private school I joined a class where there were approximately seven girls, including me, and 5 boys. I went all the way through high school with girls who were mostly white and mostly middle class like me. I'm now going to be attending a college known for a "basic" aesthetic. I am the epitome of what many people consider "basic". Here is why I don't care for that label, but accept it freely.

As my sister pointed out to me recently, part of being "basic" is being too excited about small things like coffee and fairy lights. As a girl who does get too excited over these small things, I raise the question of why it matters that I am over-excitable. Why is happiness something that people deserve to be stereotyped negatively about?

Another complaint I hear about is how "basic" girls didn't have to work for the things that they receive. As if the only way you are allowed to have anything is if you yourself earned the money to buy it. Yes, it's frustrating to see other people get things you wanted without "earning" it themselves, but classism isn't right or acceptable in any form, whether it's prejudice to a class higher or lower than you. No one chooses to be born the class they were. Why should they not be allowed to enjoy the things they like just because someone out there has it worse? That argument is a very slippery slope which just leads to a debate ending in a stalemate more often than not.

Yes, this article itself may sound snobby and like an excuse for something, but stereotypes are never entirely right for any group they are trying to stereotype. Some people who are basic are snobs, and don't appreciate the blessings they've been given. But for every one "basic" out there who is like that, there's nine more who aren't. I know I can never get the words just right to avoid offending or putting off anyone with this article. No one is perfect. But I'm sure that someone else is feeling this way too, and the negative stereotype needs to stop. In the meantime, I'm going to attempt to reclaim the word.

So, I propose a toast for the girls called "basics" out there who love Starbucks, fuzzy Ugg boots, Vera Bradley, fairy lights, pumpkin spice seasoning, the Kardashians, popular clothing, music, and much more. Your worth and respect is not defined by the things you own or what you choose to be happy about.

You do you, boo *sips iced chai latte*.