This is for those of you who are unsure about the power of your words. This is for those of you who make "basic" feel bad and make people feel stupid for choosing to like something that people deem lame. You need to hear this...
Just let me tell you how valid I feel your voice is. Your opinions matter and you are important, every one of you. But it is never fair of someone to put someone else down for something so little, something so little as choosing to "Pumpkin Spice" things.
Yes, I know what you're thinking. You think I am ridiculous and that this argument is pointless, but take it from someone who knows. I am a "pumpkin spicer" and I am proud, so stop telling me not to be. You do not have that right.
I have been online countless times since the beginning of the pumpkin spice "releases" began and many people have been criticising those of us that have chosen to participate. The original hate stemmed from the word "basic" that has become a very common form of slang over the last couple of years. The term basic refers to different things people do that are "lame" in nature or makes them a follower. If everyone is doing it, then it is considered basic.
Pumpkin Spice was made one of these things. "Omg, you bought a pumpkin spice (insert item here)? That's so basic!" was a common phrase. It started to become a term of insult, a harsh world, and people were being offended. Buying a candle was bad, drinking a latte was stupid, and having a muffin was lame.
The hate this pumpkin spice season began with the idea of "premature pumpkin spicing." The argument for that case is this: the industries selling pumpkin spice products were releasing fall products before the actual beginning of fall, September 22nd. But this has been going on for years and this year, society has decided that the early release of fall products to create hype, a marketing technique, is not okay.
This shouldn't be what's not okay. What's not okay is being embarrassed to be excited to have a pumpkin spice frappuccino come in a glass bottle. What is not okay is being laughed at by STRANGERS for gushing to a friend about a pumpkin cheesecake muffin.
It is the norm of society to be excited for something that happens once a year. It is also normal for companies to release a season or holiday specific product ahead of time. So why is it okay for people to tell me and others like me that I am not allowed this simple pleasure? Because I am.
You're not wrong for having an opinion, you're just not right about using it to put people down. I am sorry to say that I don't actually care if you're offended by my obsession with pumpkin spice and being ready for it in August. If that offends you, then you need to spend time relaxing and not worrying about other peoples' choices.
I hope my voice brings clarity to those who think their opinion is funny and that nothing can touch them. But your words are noticed and can be offensive, watch what you say and what you share because not everyone will agree.
