How Society Decides What’s Trendy and What’s Not
We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable sting of judgment when someone scoffs at our “questionable” choices.
Perhaps your beloved kitsch garden gnome collection raised eyebrows, or your guilty pleasure playlist of 80s hair metal bands elicited a groan.
These seemingly harmless preferences can become unexpected battlegrounds, where the defenders of “good taste” try to shame us into conformity. But who gets to decide what’s “good” or “bad” anyway?
Is your love for leopard print leggings really a moral failing?
The truth is, these criticisms say more about the critic than the criticized. They reveal a deep-seated insecurity, a desperate need to assert superiority through the arbitrary hierarchy of taste.
But taste is not a fixed entity, nor is it a reliable indicator of intelligence or character. It’s a fluid, subjective concept shaped by a multitude of factors, many of which are beyond our control.
The Social Construction of Taste
Our aesthetic preferences – from the clothes we wear to the music we enjoy – are not innate or instinctive. They are learned, shaped, and molded by the society we live in.
French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu eloquently argued that taste is not merely a matter of personal preference; it’s a form of cultural capital, a subtle tool used to distinguish social classes and maintain hierarchies.
The upper classes, according to Bourdieu, have the power to define what is considered “good taste.”
They use this power to create a sense of exclusivity, to set themselves apart from the masses. But what if their so-called “good taste” is nothing more than an arbitrary set of rules designed to preserve their privileged position?
What if our own tastes are not reflections of our true selves, but rather echoes of the social conditioning we’ve been subjected to?
The Media Machine
In today’s hyper-connected world, the media machine is a relentless taste-making force.
From glossy magazines to Instagram feeds, we are inundated with images and messages that dictate what is hot and what is not. Fashion trends change at dizzying speeds, with the “it” bag of the season quickly becoming yesterday’s news.
But who pulls the strings behind this ever-spinning carousel of trends?
It’s not a benevolent group of tastemakers working tirelessly to elevate our aesthetic sensibilities. Rather, it’s a complex web of corporate interests, driven by profit and power.
Designers, advertisers, and influencers all play a role in shaping our desires, convincing us that we need the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, and the most Instagrammable experiences.
This relentless pursuit of the new and the next keeps us trapped in a cycle of consumption, forever chasing an elusive ideal of “good taste” that is constantly shifting just out of reach.
The Circle of Style
Yet, within this seemingly chaotic world of trends, there is a curious phenomenon that reveals the true nature of taste: the cyclical nature of style.
What is considered tacky or outdated one day can become the height of fashion the next.
Think of the once-maligned fanny pack, now rebranded as a “belt bag” and embraced by fashionistas worldwide. Or the resurgence of 90s grunge fashion, with its ripped jeans and flannel shirts.
This constant recycling of trends shows that taste is not a linear progression towards an ultimate ideal. Rather, it’s a continuous loop, where the past and the present constantly intertwine. This cyclical nature also highlights the role of nostalgia in shaping our preferences.
We are drawn to the familiar, the comforting, the styles that evoke fond memories of our youth or simpler times.
The Society vs. Your Inner Maverick
So, if taste is so fluid and subjective, why do we still feel the pressure to conform to the latest trends?
Why do we still feel embarrassed by our “guilty pleasures” or “bad taste”? It’s time to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and embrace our own unique aesthetic sensibilities.
Challenge the notion that there is only one “right” way to dress, decorate, or express yourself.
Question the messages you receive from the media and the fashion industry.
Do you genuinely love that designer handbag, or are you simply trying to keep up with the Joneses? Do you really enjoy that trendy restaurant, or are you just going there because it’s the “it” place to be seen?
The next time someone scoffs at your choices, remind yourself that your taste is not a reflection of your worth.
It’s a reflection of your experiences, your personality, and your unique journey through life.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself authentically, even if it means going against the grain. Embrace your inner maverick, and let your “bad” taste be a badge of honor.
After all, isn’t individuality far more interesting than conformity?