Day 217 (Two-Hundred & Seventeen) of 365 days
When we call someone bougie, we mean they’re frequently into some of the finer things in life — food, fashion, culture, travel, and just about anything else that may be considered nice or fancy. Those who are referred to as bougie may be known for being sophisticated and classy due to their palate for different things that meet their desired bougie aesthetic. And while being bougie isn’t necessarily a bad thing, sometimes it can rub some people the wrong way. The word has been directed my way as an insult and sometimes as a compliment. But deep down, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with being a little bougie sometimes.
I believe it’s often an inaccurate assessment that some people are “flaunting their wealth.” What some people see as flaunting is just normal life. You wear your dress, you drive your car. By just existing, somehow you are offending someone. It’s not like you’re posting on social media every day telling everyone how great you are. Nevertheless, in some people’s minds, you are doing just that.
I hear terms like, “status car,” and so forth thrown around. If you’ve ever had a car of any kind, you know that it’s a huge waste of money. You have to keep putting gas in it to get anywhere. You have to wash it and change the oil or pay for repairs. When you want or need a new one, the process starts over. Since you’re going to be out the money anyway, you may as well get what you want, right? If you can afford it, what’s wrong with that?
Furthermore, aren’t we all taught as children that if we work hard, we will be successful? Generally, the result of this success is extra money that allows you to do things like buy quality goods like clothing or accessories, go on trips, and save some for later. A lot of religious people also cite passages in the Bible (I won’t do that here) that suggest that God wants us to live a life of abundance. How does it follow that once someone attains a life that is considered to be one of “abundance,” that they are then vilified for leading that life? It doesn’t make any sense.
Clearly, the bougie is in the eye of the beholder. Because of that, using this label probably says a lot more about the person using the term than the person that is being referred to. Sure, not everyone is going to like you, and certainly, not everyone is going to support you. That’s why you have to live your own life, on your own terms. What makes you happy, do it. If it’s working for you, do it. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, do what you like. Because ultimately, what other people think of you is none of your business. Let it be their problem. And there are worse things to be than bougie.
