Staff Writer: Raphiel DieDeRich
Many have likely seen on social media a #whimsy or titles of videos including it. One may ask, “What is it?” I’d like to offer that this current streak has no true definition or goal, and that is the point. The current idea is having simple fun, being present, enjoying one’s hobbies to the fullest, and not being afraid of being weird in spite of people labeling others and actions cringe.
The New York Times seems to have something to say about it, with a statement saying, “the word describes a playful response to a difficult world — even if it might strike some as a precious form of capitalism.” The current situation the younger generation finds themselves in comes from the light of wars, ai, and plenty of discourse.
It’s an escapism that seems to be healthily turning oneself away from being glued to the screen and instead using it more of a tool. Like the article implies, some seem to treat it as a trend of buying items that are the most whimsical. This is only part of the growing focus and shouldn’t quite be the end all goal.
Instead, purchases one already makes is having an element of fun added to it. Many people grew up playing house and Barbie’s, and it seems like the younger generations are realizing their free will in creating their space doesn’t have to only stay in the imagination.
Being whimsical is an active mental choice to look at the world, and one’s daily life in a way that’s light in response to a dark uncertain shadow. It’s slowing down to find your favorite flowers along the path to school; it’s taking just a moment longer to make a human connection to those you’d pass by. There’s an essence of thinking about enjoying life as it comes, and bringing back the fun we let be pushed aside because we were too grown to enjoy the little moments
Being whimsical though, isn’t only about what one purchases. The article also quotes “Whimsy. a likely derivative of the 16th-century noun ‘whim-wham,’ ends with what linguists say is often used as a diminutive suffix, which conveys a sense of childishness or affection.” The meaning and what many are gravitating towards is embracing a bit of childishness in a way that’s harming no one and adding a bit of fun to everyday life.
Rather it be by a choice of more playful words when speaking and writing, choosing the prettier teacup, wearing the swirly dress, enjoying an activity of writing letters or perhaps taking a stroll through the forest after reading a fantasy novel.
In the current age of social media, where many use it to record embarrassing actions and stories of others and have created a “cancel culture” being whimsical seems to be a counter. It is this revival of not caring about what others think and choosing what you like even if it seems “cringe” on the rest of the internet. Considering that, those on the internet that appear to be focused more on creating a trend or fitting it into an aesthetic that’s digestible to social media seem to have missed the point.
It’s not meant to be a performative mentality, but instead a freeing one. Although its appearance on social media isn’t only a negative one, for any account capitalizing on it there are many who are using it as a way to share their experiences and ideas in an easy way many people can access.
The concept of whimsy shouldn’t only be seen as a flash of consumerism stores can market with, but instead of a mindset and group of ideas and behavior like any counterculture. It’s not something that should be lumped into one box, but instead one having many facets, like the older groups like goth, hippy, or even beat generation.