The concept of the ‘basic bitch’ has become a culture icon over the past five years. The general idea is pretty vague and can change with the times; a girl who enjoys any kind of social or cultural pastimes that are popular in a certain day and age gets slapped with a ‘basic’ label. This stems from the idea that girls strive to set themselves apart from the pack; the thought that in a sea of ‘basic’ girls, it’s hard to be noticed by anyone unless you’re utterly and obviously unique. But what started as a few girls harmlessly saying, “I’m not like other girls” has turned into an ugly, green, jealous monstrosity. Girls with Starbucks cups get sneers and disapproving looks, girls who enjoy a nice pair of Hunter boots endure scoffs and eye rolls, and girls who post #squadpics with friends on Instagram are taken less seriously because of hitting ‘upload’.

The simple truth of this movement is that it’s kind of sad, and mind-numbingly stupid. It encourages women to stifle their natural instincts and force themselves to be ‘different’. Girls are scared of being labeled as ‘basic’ and build personas around that fear, which is the opposite of what we ladies need to do in this world. The scariest part of the ‘basic bitch’ ideal is that it’s been created and fostered by women in an attack against other women. Beneath the Starbucks cup is a real, live, human being, just like you, with substance and ambitions. It’s been harder to be a woman, but it’s no walk in the park yet. What we really need is to be looking out for each other, encouraging each other to grow into who we are. It’s an incredibly courageous and difficult thing to embrace your own flaws and be true to yourself, let alone to do it while battling criticism from anyone. Some people really do just enjoy a good cup of coffee, a well-made pair of boots, and a photograph capturing a great moment. The ‘basic bitch’ movement pits women against women, it’s the opposite of progress, and we can do so much better than this.

So ladies, let’s do the right thing and fight back what’s become instinct; don’t smirk at your fellow gals for doing what they want to do. Show some love, like that ‘basic’ Instagram post, and create an environment in which girls feel comfortable to be themselves.