Cringe culture, as defined by Urban Dictionary, is “the social landscape wherein those who display a facet of their identity that is considered ‘cringy’ become targets of mockery, bullying and harassment, typically via social media.” We can see this come to shape in the early 2000s through the 2010s, when things like simply being into anime or dressing alternatively got you ridiculed and shamed online and, often, bullied in person. This toxic behavior has lasting effects on mental health and self-esteem, especially for young teens who tend to receive most of the ridicule. Cringe culture perpetuates an extremely unhealthy cycle of conformity and judgment, making it harder for people to live as their authentic selves. I’m almost certain that each of you reading this has felt its impact at some point.
As we all know, 2020 marked the death of cringe. Everyone could watch what they wanted, wear what they wanted and simply be who they wanted to be. We collectively decided public perception didn’t matter anymore. And frankly, it was a beautiful time to be alive—despite the isolation and persistent loneliness many of us faced. We were expressing ourselves in ways we never imagined before, all because of the toxicity of the pre-COVID internet. It was a time of liberation and self-acceptance, where authenticity reigned supreme.
Unfortunately, cringe culture has reared its ugly head again—coming to kill everyone’s joy and whimsy. As the pressure to conform to “societal norms” increases, I want you to remember the taste of freedom we had during COVID and strive to hold onto it the best you can. Don’t let the fear of being labeled as “cringe” stifle your creativity or self-expression.
Life is too short to care about what people think of you! Watch the fun anime! Listen to K-pop in the car! Wear that fandom-related clothing item or accessory! Dye your hair bright colors! Be a little awkward! Be loud about the things you like! Be you—unapologetically and wholeheartedly—because at the end of the day, we only get one life. Who doesn’t want to have a bit of fun before time’s up?
By writing this article as my last for The Norse Star, I want to remind everyone: no one besides you can dictate who you are. I want you to know that you are amazing—just as you are.
