Ever since the word “performative” became an online trend, I’ve started to see the suppression of individuality in younger generations. Total conformity isn’t a good thing, and we shouldn’t be shaming people into it.
Comment section after comment section, if someone does something cool or a little bit different from the status quo, the comments become filled with ridicule. These comments create an unhealthy environment for anyone wanting to explore and find themselves. It puts people behind a glass wall, examined, judged and defined like an animal in a zoo.
According to the Oxford dictionary, the original definition of performative refers to something “done or expressed insincerely or inauthentically, typically with the intention of impressing others or improving one’s own image.” This definition has changed drastically this year in popular culture, and mostly on social media.
Now, this word is now used to inflict harm on someone’s character, making them feel embarrassed for pursuing a hobby or to critique them if they are not good enough at it.
To adhere and comply with these comments, people change who they are. The commenters shape and mold people to “perform” for them, birthing a viciously contagious cycle of “performativism.”
If you are a big fan of listening to music and collect vinyl records you are “performative.” If you like movies and write reviews on Letterboxd you are “performative.” If you go thrifting and wear baggy clothes you are “performative.” If we put labels on simple hobbies such as these, aren’t we limiting our ability to be individuals?
Dany Bondo, a second-year biology student on the board of the fashion club, says that the word has lost its actual meaning.
“I think the word ‘performative’ is a good way to describe what’s going on, but because of the way social media is, it becomes oversaturated. People start misconstruing the word. They just use it to describe anything nowadays,” Bondo said.
Music is a special medium that brings people together, so, why is it that we look down on this art now? If we continue to shun it, won’t we inevitably lose this form of media?
Watching movies and wanting your voice to be heard is not a bad thing. Liking certain directors and being passionate about their work is not a sign of being a snob, but a sign that you have genuine interest in a subject that has been revered for decades.
Experimenting with fashion is form of self-expression. Why look down on someone who pushes conventional boundaries? Are we supposed to hide who we are now because of this new “performative” pandemic?
“I’d probably be offended if I was called ‘performative’ because I don’t want to be like everyone else,” Bondo said.
We are losing our uniqueness because of these judgements and critiques of ourselves. “Everyone looks the same nowadays. We’re all wearing the same thing,” Bondo said.
There’s no benefit to using the word. It only isolates the person being labeled, which reflects the jealousy of the accuser, not anything wrong with the accused.
Don’t let someone else’s words be the reason you give up on something you love or prevent you from trying something new. Let those words be fuel and remember, that person critiquing you might just be afraid to be themselves.
Photo from Grace Abella-Zata on Facebook.