View Full Version : Are you "basic?"
Ultralight
7-31-18, 10:21pm
Urban Dictionary's definition of the word "basic" is:
"Used to describe someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary, or just simply worth devoting time or attention to."
I know a lot of basic people. Some of them are very nice, salt-of-the-earth. But I also know they would find the term basic offensive.
Do you find it offensive? Do you consider yourself basic? Is basic so bad really?
catherine
7-31-18, 11:04pm
If you think I am, I am. IMHO, "basicness" is in the eyes of the beholder.
I would say I am rarely considered 'basic', but that is really not a great thing most of the time!!
I would not use this to describe anyone, including my very average, everyday dear friends and family. They hold the normal together for the rest of us to bounce off of.
Spock was basic. Or at least a smart basic. Everyone else has too many quirks to truly fit that definition of basic. At least that’s the case for every person i’ve met in the 50 years i’ve been alive.
Edited to add, it may take a bit of getting to know the person to discover what it is that makes them not basic, but there’s always something. Sometimes a BIG something.
ApatheticNoMore
8-1-18, 12:45am
no, but every deviation from basic just makes it harder to get on in the world unfortunately. And not all non-basic things are good, in fact they are often pretty mixed bags.
iris lilies
8-1-18, 2:05am
Ummm UL, are you aware of the “Basic Bitch” label? From the Urban Dictionary:
Someone who is unflinchingly upholding of the status quo and stereotypes of their gender without even realizing it. She engages in typical, unoriginal behaviors, modes of dress, speech, and likes. She is tragically/laughably unaware of her utter lack of specialness (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=specialness) and intrigue. She believers herself to be unique, fly, amazing, and a complete catch, when really she is boring, painfully normal, and par. She believes her experiences to be crazy, wild, and different or somehow more special than everything that everybody else is doing, when really, almost everyone is doing or has done the exact same thing. She is typical and a dime a dozen...
Yeah,
I am probably basic, but
I dont care if others think so.
Williamsmith
8-1-18, 5:14am
Ummm UL, are you aware of the “Basic Bitch” label? From the Urban Dictionary:
Someone who is unflinchingly upholding of the status quo and stereotypes of their gender without even realizing it. She engages in typical, unoriginal behaviors, modes of dress, speech, and likes. She is tragically/laughably unaware of her utter lack of specialness (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=specialness) and intrigue. She believers herself to be unique, fly, amazing, and a complete catch, when really she is boring, painfully normal, and par. She believes her experiences to be crazy, wild, and different or somehow more special than everything that everybody else is doing, when really, almost everyone is doing or has done the exact same thing. She is typical and a dime a dozen...
Yeah,
I am probably basic, but
I dont care if others think so.
By that definition, Facebook is the reflection of a society of “Basic Bitches.”
This guy is not basic:
Im Popeye the Sailor Man
I live in a garbage can,
I eat all the worms
and spit out the germs,
Im Popeye the Sailor Man.
I think someone could be not "basic," or perhaps what we might call remarkable by their own volition or simply because of circumstances. Though I think that is an important distinction to make.
Someone who grew up in a military family may have lived all over the world, but this was because their parents were carting them from nation to nation. This could make them worldly, but if they cease to explore the world after leaving their parents' home then they can rapidly become basic.
I also think someone who travels the world on their own is more remarkable, just as for instance.
Yeah, I'm pretty basic. I'm ok with that. I don't do grand /anything/. My career is only moderately successful, my worldly possessions are in the modest category as well. I've traveled but not lavishly and not to exotic places. There's nothing all that outstanding about me, or particularly fascinating. My passions are in areas a lot of people don't share, so at a party I often just listen. I at least don't have the self delusion that I'm interesting. :)
My passions are in areas a lot of people don't share...
What are they, may I ask?
Life is a celebration for me and everyone has a story unique to him/her so no one to me is basic.
Life is a celebration for me and everyone has a story unique to him/her so no one to me is basic.
Everyone is special?
Absolutely!!!!!!!!
Everyone is special?
Absolutely!!!!!!!!
All the children are above average.
There's nothing all that outstanding about me, or particularly fascinating. My passions are in areas a lot of people don't share, so at a party I often just listen.
I think you've touched on two key points right here.
First, I think others have a role in determining what's outstanding or fascinating about you (or anyone else). We may have skills or knowledge or personality attributes which we may not believe are outstanding or fascinating but which other people do find outstanding or fascinating. To them, we're not "basic".
Then there's the matter of how much of ourselves we show others. There are things about me that, by the definition used here, make me "not basic" -- but many people do not get to see those things in many/most social settings. Those closest to me are far less likely to see me as "basic".
iris lilies
8-1-18, 9:09am
All the children are above average.
I know what she means, and “special” is a different kind of measure than what constitutes an average.
If you look at it biologically, each human is a wonderous mix of traits, a unique package.
If you look at it spiritually, from a traiditional,God view, God has a unique relationship with everyone and values each individually.
Just because each human doesnt trigger and hold your interest doesnt mean they arent special. We are not here on earth to entertain UL.
What are they, may I ask?
Well for one, my username is HERB geek. ;) (not the smoking kind, the culinary/medicinal type)
Well for one, my username is HERB geek. ;) (not the smoking kind, the culinary/medicinal type)
No Colorado Herb huh!
I don't think many people would confuse me with basic, however many people do find my interests, habits, personality not interesting or fun. I annoy more people than most I think, just empathetic enough to notice that!
I really don't like the idea that some of us are 'worth' another's interest or attention. It feels off, I know we have all met someone who doesn't seem interesting at all and then meet their spouse or kids who just light up around them.
I really don't like the idea that some of us are 'worth' another's interest or attention. It feels off
+1
I really don't like the idea that some of us are 'worth' another's interest or attention. It feels off,
+1
Yeah, this is really off-base. As IL said, people are not here to entertain us. I also strongly feel, that as razz said, that no one is "basic." And I also feel that people are reflections of you. And if you find people uninteresting or not worth your time, maybe you need to look at yourself. Everyone is interesting if you find them so. Have you ever asked people about themselves? How they feel about things? About struggles they've had in their lives? What makes them laugh?
If you do, you will find that no one is "basic." Everyone has a story. If they are uninterestING, maybe you are just uninterestED.
ApatheticNoMore
8-1-18, 10:32am
we must be exceptional but on some completely meaningless bullshit trajectory (I mean if we were trying to be so in career that would be mainstream, and well it's not exceptional to just try to be a good person, no it must be something very far detached from anything that anyone else cares about) or we are basic.
We are all special snowflakes.
Well, aren't we? :D
Teacher Terry
8-1-18, 1:22pm
I find the whole idea that some people are basic ridiculous.
I am thinking basic means ordinary. It's not the usual but I relish being ordinary these days.
iris lilies
8-1-18, 3:58pm
UL, this is not one of your better topics.
UL, this is not one of your better topics.
A bit basic, is it?
Oh well, I am not here to entertain you. ;)
If you think I am, I am. IMHO, "basicness" is in the eyes of the beholder.
One might say basic-ness is subjective. But could it be that through our mutual cultural lens we could deem certain types of people as basic?
This is a question I asking. Though I would not say I have an answer.
Spock was basic.
I dispute this. A half-human and half Vulcan living and working on the Starship Enterprise is far from basic.
no, but every deviation from basic just makes it harder to get on in the world unfortunately. Excellent insight. I agree with this assertion.
We are not here on earth to entertain UL.
Just because you are not here on Earth to entertain me does not mean you aren't entertaining me.
Well for one, my username is HERB geek. ;) (not the smoking kind, the culinary/medicinal type)
Which culinary ones do you grow?
I am thinking basic means ordinary. It's not the usual but I relish being ordinary these days.
I appreciate your self-assured attitude!
Which culinary ones do you grow?
Some years more than others. Currently for culinary: thyme (reg and lemon), parsley, sage, chives (reg and garlic), rosemary, marjoram, savory, basil, dill, cilantro, oregano, spearmint and a salad mint (thyme, sage also for medicine) For medicinal uses: nettles, chamomile, peppermint, calendula, elder, rose, jewelweed, lemon balm and comfrey (rose and jewelweed are wilds that I harvest, I don't explicitly plant them). I also grow a few medicinal plants that I don't make medicine from (because laziness): meadowsweet and betony.
Being a white male, certain segments of society have spent years trying to convince me that I'm privileged, and now you want me to be basic? Make up your mind dude!
Being a white male, certain segments of society have spent years trying to convince me that I'm privileged, and now you want me to be basic? Make up your mind dude!
Who do you think wants you to be basic?
iris lilies
8-1-18, 6:02pm
Just because you are not here on Earth to entertain me does not mean you aren't entertaining me.
That is fine, take your entertainment wher and when you can get it.
I equate "basic" with "simple." We always choose basic appliances, bought a plain-vanilla home that we decorated with finds from used furniture stores and consignment shops. It' really comfortable and cute.
We drive basic, older cars. One is a 2000 and the other is a 2005. They run fine.
By being basic, we've designed a life rich in possibilities. We have more money for "basic" travel...
We're basically quite delighted with our lives.
iris lilies
8-1-18, 8:27pm
I equate "basic" with "simple." We always choose basic appliances, bought a plain-vanilla home that we decorated with finds from used furniture stores and consignment shops. It' really comfortable and cute.
We drive basic, older cars. One is a 2000 and the other is a 2005. They run fine.
By being basic, we've designed a life rich in possibilities. We have more money for "basic" travel...
We're basically quite delighted with our lives.
yep, me too. And like pinkytoe, I like to think of myself as simple and low maintenance.
Teacher Terry
8-2-18, 2:30pm
HH: I loved how you reframed basic into something very positive!
Gardenarian
8-3-18, 1:36am
DD uses "basic" only to describe someone's personal style or aesthetic. She is 19; at that age most kids are trying to define themselves by their hair style, clothes, jewelry, piercings and tatoos, and choice of transportation.
To be "basic" is to conform to the norms so much that there is nothing striking about yourself. There is pressure NOT to conform, and it looks to me like they mostly non-conform in the same way - see how interesting I am because of my little tatoo, my chunky eyeglases, my vintage t-shirt. It's having a boho apartment and clothes that look like they came from Free People and liking somewhat obscure bands. Now you're not basic, right?
It makes me think of the Red Hat society. It started with a poem about being a singular old woman (When I am old i shall wear purple, with a red hat...Something like that) So all these women who wanted to show how unique and plucky they were got together and dressed in purple and wore red hats. Huh.
It's all based on the idea that appearance, how you present yourself, is deeply meaningful. I don't buy into that. I get that some folks like dressing up, okay. I don't think about style really at all. I'm probably not basic; an older woman with long hair in pigtails flying around town in a neon vest on her electric bike - but it's just practicality, not style.
ApatheticNoMore
8-3-18, 2:39am
DD uses "basic" only to describe someone's personal style or aesthetic. She is 19; at that age most kids are trying to define themselves by their hair style, clothes, jewelry, piercings and tatoos, and choice of transportation.
To be "basic" is to conform to the norms so much that there is nothing striking about yourself. There is pressure NOT to conform, and it looks to me like they mostly non-conform in the same way - see how interesting I am because of my little tatoo, my chunky eyeglases, my vintage t-shirt. It's having a boho apartment and clothes that look like they came from Free People and liking somewhat obscure bands. Now you're not basic, right?
It makes me think of the Red Hat society. It started with a poem about being a singular old woman (When I am old i shall wear purple, with a red hat...Something like that) So all these women who wanted to show how unique and plucky they were got together and dressed in purple and wore red hats. Huh.
It's all based on the idea that appearance, how you present yourself, is deeply meaningful. I don't buy into that. I get that some folks like dressing up, okay. I don't think about style really at all. I'm probably not basic; an older woman with long hair in pigtails flying around town in a neon vest on her electric bike - but it's just practicality, not style.
I think the red hat thing is neat. I wouldn't even interpret it as uniqueness, it's really just a celebration of aging, which isn't going to get much celebration otherwise so ... so it is counter-cultural more than individualistic I would think (yes which is preferable anyway!).
Yea if your young and basically healthy almost anything is going to look good on you, so play about that temporary kindness of nature to get all your clothes from whatever, the city dump maybe, but eventually you'll want to look as good as you can and not be 19 (and sometimes even respectable etc.), and that will take a bit more careful shopping.
I think the red hat thing is neat. I wouldn't even interpret it as uniqueness, it's really just a celebration of aging, which isn't going to get much celebration otherwise so ... so it is counter-cultural more than individualistic I would think (yes which is preferable anyway!).
Yea if your young and basically healthy almost anything is going to look good on you, so play about that temporary kindness of nature to get all your clothes from whatever, the city dump maybe, but eventually you'll want to look as good as you can and not be 19 (and sometimes even respectable etc.), and that will take a bit more careful shopping.
So far I have heard a lot of conflicting reports about being basic. I can sum these reports up in a brief list:
1. "Everyone is basic."
2. Everyone is special."
3. People who think they are remarkable are actually basic.
4. "I like being basic"
5. "I am not basic, but it is perfectly fine for someone else to be basic."
How about "basic is meaningless."
How about "basic is meaningless."
Is remarkable also meaningless?
ApatheticNoMore
8-3-18, 9:17am
remarkable maybe has only so much to do with "interesting". People who are remarkable are often so in something so esoteric or requiring so much equal ability in that subject to understand that that hardly makes them interesting to most people, in fact it quite possibly makes them boring (for instance stephen hawking's "brief history of time" is often seen as the most bought least actually understood or even read through book ever).
Those who are perceived as remarkable by outsiders are often better at marketing themselves at the end of the day. Marketing more than actual qualities although it doesn't mean they didn't also have real talent. Stephen Hawking was good at marketing in ways (although theoretical physics really is over my head). Many of the artists that are remembered often had equally good peers that were forgotten. Sometimes the difference is marketing. Social movements are sometimes remembered for a historical figure but actually took the work of thousands to bring about. Always 100% of the time? Well with social movements probably so even when they had a rallying leader (but it still takes something to be that leader? well considering the leaders of the civil rights movement all got shot yes, however one questions the wisdom of even having leaders at that point ... aka Occupy). But other things no probably not always 100% of the time (but it would take a lot of historical research to know, sometimes scientific breakthroughs are actually discovered simultaneously etc.). Often enough to have some skepticism about "remarkable".
Gardenarian
8-3-18, 12:19pm
+1
Basic or remarkable to whom?
It's the Millennial label du jour; shorthand for whatever they think it means.
It's the Millennial label du jour; shorthand for whatever they think it means.
Is Grand Canyon a remarkable place?
It seems like the idea of being basic offends a lot of people.
It seems like the idea of being basic offends a lot of people.I think it's more that people wonder why they must be categorized by a metric that only exists in the eye of the beholder.
I think it's more that people wonder why they must be categorized by a metric that only exists in the eye of the beholder.
Exactly.
I think it's more that people wonder why they must be categorized by a metric that only exists in the eye of the beholder.
How many metrics in life that we literally must be categorized by are in the eye of the beholder?
How many metrics in life that we literally must be categorized by are in the eye of the beholder?
How many metrics must we be categorized by?
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