Here’s a captivating introduction for an article about “Instagram’s small-c conservative aesthetic – The New Statesman” for Gizmoposts24:
“In the seemingly endless expanse of Instagram, where influencers flaunt their lavish lifestyles and brands peddle their latest products, it’s easy to forget that the platform is home to a quieter, more subdued force. Behind the glamour of curated selfies and staged flat lays lies a small-c conservative aesthetic that’s quietly shaping the way we present ourselves online. It’s an ethos that valorizes simplicity, authenticity, and a rejection of the excesses of modern life. But what does this look like, exactly? And how is it influencing the way we interact with each other – and with the world around us? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Instagram’s small-c conservatives, and explore the ways in which their understated approach is redefining what it means to be online today.”
The Rise of Small-c Conservatism on Social Media
The liberal aesthetics that dominated social media in the 2010s have receded to make way for an internet that bends towards a narrow, small-c conservatism. Tradwives, homesteaders, even standalone trends that portray womanhood as archetypally hyper-feminine and girly, have abounded on TikTok and Instagram in the last three years.
We now know influencers like Hannah Neeleman (aka Ballerina Farm), Nara Smith and Estee Williams can draw in millions of fans and tens of millions of views by sharing a glossed-over version of reality where men provide, women cook, clean and care for children and silly ideas about 21st-century feminism never enter the picture.
The Influence of TikTok
The small-c conservative aesthetic has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where creators showcase a traditional, homemaker lifestyle. Influencers like Hannah Neeleman (aka Ballerina Farm) and Nara Smith have amassed millions of followers by sharing content that emphasizes domesticity and femininity.
The Anti-Feminist Undertones
Beneath the surface of this aesthetic lies an implicit anti-feminist message, which suggests that women should prioritize domestic duties and traditional roles over personal ambition and independence.
The Appeal to Young Audiences
The small-c conservative aesthetic appeals to young audiences who are seeking a sense of stability and security in a rapidly changing world.
The Blatant Emergence of “Old Money” Aesthetics
The quaint, simple lifestyle that was once popular on social media has given way to a more opulent and lavish aesthetic, characterized by expensive clothing, luxury homes, and high-end accessories.
The Shift from Quaint to Lavish
The “old money” aesthetic is deeply tied to social status, with influencers and brands promoting the idea that a high level of wealth and luxury is essential for a fulfilling life.
The Influence of Social Status
The “old money” aesthetic has created a growing demand for luxury goods, with consumers seeking out high-end products and services that reflect their status and wealth.
The Growing Demand for Luxury Goods
Videos relating to this trend easily rack up millions of likes and views, featuring thin white women hanging off men in suits at country manors and in the halls of European mansions.
The Rise of Etiquette “Coaches” and “Manners Consultants”
The small-c conservative aesthetic has created a growing need for social etiquette, with individuals seeking out coaches and consultants who can teach them how to behave in a more refined and mannered way.
The Growing Need for Social Etiquette
The rise of etiquette “coaches” and “manners consultants” has commercialized the concept of social etiquette, with individuals paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for lessons and advice on how to behave in a more polished and sophisticated way.
The Impact on Society
The growing demand for social etiquette has had a significant impact on society, with individuals feeling pressure to conform to certain standards of behavior and dress in order to fit in.
The Descent into Addiction
The small-c conservative aesthetic has created a growing desire for vertical video, with individuals seeking out short, flashy clips that reflect their interests and passions.
The Allure of Vertical Video
The descent into addiction has had a significant impact on mental health, with individuals feeling pressure to constantly consume and engage with content in order to feel fulfilled and entertained.
The Need for Balance
The growing need for balance and moderation is essential in order to maintain a healthy relationship with social media and avoid the negative consequences of addiction.
Conclusion
The Homogenization of Taste: Instagram’s Unyielding Grip on Aesthetic
The recent article by The New Statesman, “Instagram’s small-c conservative aesthetic,” delves into the phenomenon of Instagram’s influence on our visual culture, highlighting the platform’s propensity to homogenize taste and dictate what is considered aesthetically pleasing. The article argues that Instagram’s algorithm-driven feed, curated to showcase the most “liked” and “commented” content, has created a culture of conformity, where users feel pressured to conform to the platform’s narrow definition of beauty and style. By elevating the mundane and the mainstream, Instagram has effectively suppressed alternative perspectives and creative expression, rendering the platform a symbol of cultural homogenization.
The significance of this phenomenon cannot be overstated, as it has far-reaching implications for the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. By reducing art and creativity to a Likes-driven economy, Instagram has created a culture of superficiality, where the value of an image is determined by its popularity rather than its artistic merit. This has serious consequences for the way we engage with art, culture, and society, as it reinforces the notion that what is considered “good” is what is most widely accepted. As the article so astutely points out, this has profound implications for our understanding of taste, creativity, and the very fabric of our cultural identity.
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