Why Can’t We Just Let People Like Things?
What’s with all the judgment?
Yesterday, I wrote an article about fluff. You know, the light-hearted shows and movies we watch to feel better when we’re stressed or depressed. Today, I want to talk about the guilty pleasures in life. Specifically, why are they guilty?
Seriously, I know quite a few people who like to read trashy romance novels. Quite a few of these people refer to them as “guilty pleasures,” like reading them is somehow bad and they should be embarrassed for liking them.
Why? What’s wrong with liking romance novels, good, bad, or otherwise? They’re entertaining, and we all know what I think about the difference between good things and entertaining things: who cares, as long as you enjoy it?
Fall is coming up, and the pumpkin spice stuff is already showing up in stores. You know what that means: a bunch of judgmental jerks are going to call anyone consuming pumpkin spice anything a “basic bitch,” mocking them for having the audacity to like something. It’s as though the idea that someone derives pleasure from something is unacceptable.
Once again, why does anyone care how someone likes their coffee? It’s not hurting you if I drink a Starbucks PSL every day between now and December. I’m not somehow less manly for doing so, and my partner isn’t “basic” if she gets one. Our choice of beverage impacts you in literally no way at all.
It’s like this for so many things. Liking one superhero over another. Enjoying fruity mixed drinks. Driving a Prius. Playing casual phone games. Being a furry. If somebody likes something, there’s probably a subreddit dedicated to hating on the people who do.
If you haven’t guessed, I think this is terrible. Why must we hate on people for liking something? Can’t we just let people like the things they like? What does insulting someone for their preferences accomplish?
The answer is that it accomplishes nothing except making someone feel good about themselves at someone else’s expense. I have a lot of contempt for people like that. To think that someone would have such a fragile ego that they have to get their kicks by insulting the way people drink their coffee makes me sad.
So if you like trashy romance novels, just enjoy them. And, if anyone tells you that you’re dumb for liking them or tries to berate you because they’re “objectively bad,” just gently remind them that B movies are also “objectively bad,” but fanboys love watching them anyway.
Just like the things you like and let other people like the things they like. It’s not a competition to see who likes the best stuff. Drink your PSL. Watch your B movies. Play Candy Crush Listen to Nickelback. Unironically enjoy Chuck Tingle. Enjoy the media or food hobby or whatever it is that you enjoy freely and proudly.
There’s a freaking pandemic going on out there. We all need something comforting to hold onto. And, if anyone tells you that the stuff you like is bad, just ignore them. They’re probably a sad, boring, troll of a person, and they’re not worth your time.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go order an adorable cat mug. It’s just so dang cute!
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