Does Relatability Culture Encourage Laziness? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Does Relatability Culture Encourage Laziness?

At what point do we stop supporting one another in our common struggle, and start bragging about our shortcomings?

67
Does Relatability Culture Encourage Laziness?
Goodcall

I just finished my third semester of college (do you hear those angels singing too?). I’ll be honest – this semester was tough for me. The work was a lot harder than freshman year, and finals week was brutal.

My generation has a way to deal with finals stress that no generation before us has possessed: memes. ‘Tis the season when memes about being stressed out and GPAs dropping run abound, and I must say: for the most part, I love them. It’s nice to be able to see your experience reflected online and to be able to share your pain with friends. It reminds me that being imperfect is commonplace and that we’re all in this together. We love these jokes because, well, they’re relatable.

But lately, I’ve been feeling that this relatability has allowed us to start excusing our worst instincts and behaviors because, hey, other people do it too!

“I had a six-page paper to write last night, but I just watched Netflix instead.”

“I might skip class because honestly I just don’t feel like going.”


These are sentiments that most of us have been guilty of at one time or another, and it’s nice to know that we’re not alone in our flaws. But at what point do we stop commiserating with other people about our struggles, and start bragging about our shortcomings?

This is what worries me. There is a point when these jokes – whether online or in person – seem to stop being about supporting one another, and start becoming a Laziness Competition.

Being lazy is not cool. Being irresponsible should not be trendy. And yet we give into these narratives – despite ourselves – because it’s easier. We don’t know how to reckon with our own failure, so we make failure a victory in and of itself.

We don’t need this. We don’t have to validate ourselves by making our flaws desirable. We should be supporting one another in a way that reaffirms our humanity regardless of our GPA but also encourages our friends to do their best. And if you fail, that’s okay. Not because it’s cute, or normal, but because you are valuable no matter what. Even if nobody says “same” after you recount your latest story.

Keep the memes coming – I love them. But let’s makes sure that once we log offline, we can still motivate ourselves and one another to be the best that we can be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Wonderful Things About The Holidays

Some of the best things about the upcoming holiday season.

156
christmas decoration

As the holidays approach, there are many wonderful things that start to appear. From weather to food and even to the decorations, there are so many wonderful things about the holidays.

1. Cold Weather

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

14 Thoughts Every College Student Has During Winter Break

The most common: "Is it time to go back to school yet?"

2588
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Little Changes You Can Make That Will Have a Big Impact On The Enviroment

Simple switches to eco-friendly habits could add up and have a positive effect on the environment!

149
flower in hand
PxHere

In the past decade, there has been a recent surge of compassion for the environment. Many people are beginning to realize how much of a negative impact their daily lives have on the environment. In case you weren't aware the average person has about four pounds of trash per day and American's make up only 5% of the world population and produce a startling 40% of the world's waste. If you care about the environment, here are some smalls changes you can make that will have a big impact!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

4411
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments