In The Community
Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.
Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs
@melisekrem Sleek Bun Tutorial ✨ #sleekbun #cleangirlhair #cleangirlhairstyle #hairtutorial
Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.
Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.
These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.
Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.
Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows
@spiciblondi me and my controversial brows 4 ever #thinbrows #y2k #mcbling
Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.
Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas
You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.
This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.
Brown Lips and Liner
Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.
The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.
Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.
It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.
Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces
@girlsbeinggirly Wear mine literally everyday🫶🏼😍#thatgirl #aesthetic #fashion #inspo
We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?
So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.
A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.
Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.
@karmapilled i CANT FIND THE GIRL DINNER PERSONS ACC BUT SHE IS MY HERO (alt: @karma (´◠ω◠`) )
The fusion of relatable content and catchy jingle is unbeatable, with women hopping on the trend to showcase their dinner choices. "Girl dinner" typically constitutes a snack plate, composed of anything you've got handy. It's a meal you whip up just for yourself, requiring no cooking or cleanup.
But the universal characteristics of the ideal "girl dinner," as showcased by the thousands of videos under the trending sound, are 1. It should be quick and easy. 2. The nutritional worth of such dinner is often dubious. Examples might include spicy chips drenched in lime and soy sauce, a large glass of Coca-Cola, nothing at all, or simply opting to sleep instead.
The trend has sparked considerable debate about whether it's all in good fun or if it's endorsing unhealthy, chaotic eating habits or even eating disorders. It's even been criticized for being an insensitive privileged joke that overlooks the struggles of low-income individuals who may not have much to eat for dinner. Even though TikTok trends aren't necessarily designed to be taken seriously, this particular one has stirred up quite a storm.
So, what makes "girl dinner" so relatable?
Research has shown that when women get married, they end up with an extra 7 hours of additional daily work. This involves keeping the house neat and tidy, managing various chores, and, of course, preparing dinner for their partner or the entire family.
Especially in a "traditional" household where patriarchal values persist, wives have very different expectations compared to husbands. Women are expected to ensure the well-being of the home and family. This typically includes feeding your children and partner nutritious meals. However, more often than not, by the end of it all, women are simply too tired to cook for themselves or have simply lost their appetite.
This usually results in, you've guessed it, a classic "girl dinner."
It's no surprise then that numerous married women, as observed from TikTok comments, can relate to this trend. Not just married women, but many women in romantic relationships or who have assumed the role of family caretaker have also shared their experiences.
Given the hectic nature of everyday life, it's understandable why we might opt for a quick and convenient meal. In a society that expects us to manage our responsibilities impeccably and also ensure the well-being of our entire family, a bit of "girl dinner" seems harmless... right?
The thing is, from a very young age, we’re taught to care for others but not for ourselves. While it’s all in good fun, the amount of women that actually relate to this trend is concerning and should probably be a wake-up call of how we’re taking care of ourselves, our nutrition, and our overall health.
The meals presented in these videos highlight the persistent time constraints many people, especially women, grapple with, and reflect both the societal expectations and pressures faced by women and the realities of their daily lives. In a society that often still expects women to shoulder the majority of household tasks and caring duties, it's unsurprising that "girl dinner" resonates with so many.
This phenomenon also sheds light on a form of self-care, albeit unconventional. After fulfilling responsibilities towards others, women often find themselves with scarce time or energy for their own needs. These quick, personal meals, despite their uncertain nutritional value, can be viewed as a form of self-nourishment and self-care, a moment of respite in a busy schedule.
"Girl dinner" also takes a dig at societal eating standards. It provides an honest peek into how people truly eat when nobody's watching, contrasting with the typically idealized meals frequently portrayed on social media. It rejects the pursuit of perfection, instead embracing the reality of consuming whatever is convenient or appealing at the end of a long day.
And finally, the widespread identification with "girl dinner" exposes a shared experience among women from all walks of life. It initiates discussions about work-life balance, the distribution of labor within households, and the societal pressures women face. Although it may have started off as a light-hearted trend, it's actually starting meaningful conversations about the roles and experiences of women in modern society.
There are many sides to this trend, and not all of them are bad. Granted, sometimes things just don’t have to be that deep. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with calling something out when you see it. Sometimes it's a critique of societal expectations for women; sometimes, it's just that you really crave some late-night cheese.
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