Newsletter #8: Crying Over the "Clean Girl Aesthestic"

Why has "American Psycho" had such a grip on people over the past two years?

I totally relate to people who found a lot of solace in routines since the pandemic hit. It is very nice to have control over the products you use, your morning ritual and having a “go to look”. TikTok found this with “clean girl aesthetic”, which to no one’s surprise was just a cb2 version of cultural appropriation.

In “Dishing the Dirt on the ‘Clean Girl’ Aesthetic” for Impact Nottingham, writer Hannah Bentley said:

Many black and brown creators have taken to the internet to vent their frustrations about the lack of inclusivity and bring attention to how, yet again, white women have co-opted a look. Gelled back hair and gold jewellery has been popular in black and latinx communities before white people jumped on the style. They point out how BIPOC women are called “ghetto” for wearing the same look which is now popular among white celebrity models.

This video is also a good look into problems with the ‘aesthetic’. Looking up clean girl aesthetic takes you into a sea of mostly white women going over meticulous morning routines with lo-fi beats in the background. Their apartments: are pristine. Their skin: is clear. Their money: is unlimited. I am not bashing routines, but the lack of self-awareness in terms of cultural appropriation and the tone of these videos is a bit unnerving. I had trouble putting a finger on what was upsetting me until one TikTok user put Patrick Bateman’s monologue from “American Psycho” against the video. Face masks, work outs, crisp white bedsheets and particular products. Like Patrick, these videos exist to show you the idea of who these girls are. It is not really them. It is a warped, colonized idea of what they think women should be.

• Routines

• Plain

• Simple

All while ignoring the layers of complexity, unattainble-ness and appropriation.

Another TikTok trend that reminded of Patrick Batemen are these ‘in & out lists’ where creators are probably talking about themselves, but they seem like people just trying to make themselves appear larger than life. We all want our opinions to be valued highly. Patrick Bateman operates on this mindset that he deserves everything because he lives a meticulous life, he feels like his likes/dislikes are the end all be all, and most of all: he is dying to be liked.

While falling back on routines and interests is helpful and safe, it is good to look in the mirror and look for the real version of yourself. It is good to realize that while forming what you think is hot or not, to remember you can’t look down your nose at others.

Happy Tears

• Meatless Mondays. Make lasagna for dinner and make a vegan peach cobbler for dessert.

Crying From the Sales Section

• Plot twist: get out of the sales section and go shop your closet. If you can’t find what you need, go to eBay before a major retailer.

Final Thoughts

• Making big announcements to the Internet can be scary.

• Celebrities aren’t your heroes.

• Don’t engage with rude people.

• Before you dive into a TikTok trend, do a little research.