Contrary to popular belief, I am in fact *like other girls*. I have always been part of the crowd, and if I am not, I make sure I am part of it. I don't like being left out of a cultural moment. If something starts to get popular, I will jump right on the bandwagon. I do not care about being different or standing out, I like to blend right in just like the others.

Some might call that being basic... or even *cheugy* and they would be right. I don't care what anyone says, I love being basic.

I love everything about being a basic white girl and I will not apologize. I never really cared what anyone thought of me, even if they were laughing at my expense. My friends and family have teased me in the past for liking all the things that are 'the same as everyone else. There is rarely something I like that others do not... but in reality, there is a community for everything nowadays.

In high school and college, this was most prevalent. It wasn't that my friends weren't basic but I was the all-encompassing 'basic girl'. I remember in college there was one day where I was dressed in black leggings, my sorority letters, ugg boots, a Lonchamp bag, and had Starbucks in my Lilly Pulitizer coffee mug. I was the poster child for what a typical college girl looked like and truly, I loved every moment of it. It's who I am and who I have always been. 

At the same time, while I embrace it, I shouldn't have to, you know? I should be able to enjoy what I like without being ridiculed because others deem it too popular. What is wrong with popular? I'm tired of women of all types being shamed for what they love, just because they seem trivial.

I can't care about pop culture but men can know every Yankee player and their stats from 1985? Why are some categories deemed basic while others are respected? We should just let everyone like what they like!