By Carla Adeline E. Via
At one point in this digital age, we have collectively decided that being passionate is embarrassing and that some degree of vulnerability is unacceptable. We become objects of ridicule if we love too openly or show unfiltered fervor towards something. Enthusiasm policists brand us “cringe” and stomp on the kindlings of our burning passion under the guise of humor.
The cringe culture is a tool to maintain the status quo. It is inherently performative and thrives on passivity and detachment; a coping mechanism that evolved to mask deep-seated insecurities. They point fingers and mock in order to deviate from the fact that they are simply scared to embrace their individuality.
It was a slow descent, but this cringe culture had stopped us from trying our best and made us hesitant to express ourselves fully. This attitude shames the impassioned to be mediocre, the eager to be stoic. We are forced to stifle our uniqueness to adhere to what society imposes to be normal or adequate.
There is now this extreme reluctance of trying one’s hand at something new because apparently performing less than perfect is “cringe.” We are slowly losing our thirst for adventure and our desire to delve into the unknown to the irrational fear of becoming a victim to this culture.
Amid this rising trend, however, lies this absurd irony: this world desperately needs people who passionately care. After all, it is our aspiration to become more that sparks creativity and innovation.
Therefore, I believe that to be “cringe” is to be brave.
Having the courage to be different—and possibly disliked—is a feat on its own. Imagine being able to sing out of tune and scream your heart out for your favorite bands without shame or proudly publishing your suit of poetry you scribbled during one of your sleepless nights.
We need to normalize unbridled enthusiasm once again. Because, in fact, passion isn’t an aesthetic nor is it perfect. It can be messy. It is intense. It’s raw.
We should just let people love whatever they want, however they want as long as it’s harmless. The cringe culture has gone too far, and I fear for a society of complete homogeneity where everyone is mindlessly going along with whatever’s trendy.
I say, let’s be passionate about our favorite bands or K-Pop or anime. Be brave enough to show the world the tear-stained pages in our journals. Be courageous. Be “cringe.”
