Everything is an Aesthetic: How 'Aesthetics' Became Our New Religion

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

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[@Unlifestyledeluxe]

Aesthetics are meant to be "inspiration", the problem is mainly the number of people influenced and the consemeurism which follows each trend. People need to find hobbies because trends are surely the main hobbies right now...

[@jordanan27]

This was an unexpected and interesting connection I had not considered. Thanks for the great content as always!

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

thank you for watching!

[@jmsl_910]

i think there is a booking you cara. fr this is a very clever connection

[@naanbiryawni]

i hate consumerism and aesthetics as identity 🩷

[@TheJuicyTangerine]

I also hate religion as an identity for similar reasons

[@naanbiryawni]

@@TheJuicyTangerine omg me too 😭

[@SwolyBroly]

I think you could make the case that social media is the new religion. TikTok, Insta, or whatever the new platform is becomes the site of worship, our phones are the rosaries that we hold in prayer, and the “likes” are our virtual amens.

[@firecracker3911]

Amen!

[@queenthxt]

And a means of social control ❤

[@TheLNLYSocietyLLC-wz9sb]

True

[@emily5802]

this is unbelievably cringe

[@dessertcomes1st]

Eloquently said.

[@morganwoods8929]

What's interesting to me is that we talk about how "core" is associated with a certain look and certain items and tend to blame the internet. But I feel like groups have always had a certain aesthetic associated with them, whether they're religious or not. Think 90s punk rockers, bikers, 60s and 70s hippies, etc. Even different generations have looks associated with them (vintage and retro clothing, for example). I don't think having an associated aesthetic is a bad thing necessarily. I think the problems today is with how quickly these subcultures pop up and die off. Which means if you're joining a new subculture each year, you don't have enough time to build deep friendships with these people, and you are buying and trashing associated items each year. That's bad for the environment, your mental health, and your wallet.

[@randomlyswatching9481]

I was a punk rocker and watched a loooot of disney or nickledon as a teen

[@Donut_Sprinkle]

Punk rock is not an aesthetic and is not from the 70s. Punk rock (PUNX) is a subculture that exploded in the 70s.

[@Kakaka68]

This! We don’t have subcultures anymore we just have -core and aesthetics

[@user-tt4fc6ml6d]

You should make a playlist called: "Rampant Hyper-Individualism in America"

[@brynhild2012]

I liked you talking about how sometimes we just have to be the ones who reach out. I do most of the event planning for my friend group. Some people are just bad at texting! I judge more of their willingness to be friends depending on how much they cancel or if they reply. Some people are just bad at remembering to reach out, and that's fine, as long as they respond when the invite is there.

[@Melissa-d4j6c]

I love reality checks like this. Such strict identification with aesthetics made me so confused with finding myself as a teen, now that i’m backing away from social media and finding my own thing and inspiration, it makes me so much happier

[@Cauldron6]

I think you’re right, aesthetics are a new way of finding community. Why be unique and lonely when you can be cottagecore with other cottagecore girlies? I get it, but it’s something we need to deal with.

[@rebeccamueller8790]

I'm fortunate to grow up before the time of social media. At 37, Facebook just was becoming a thing later in my high school era, and even then, it was for college kids only. There was so much less influence. It was pretty much limited to magazines if you had 3.99 for one, or your friends. I can't imagine navigating this as a teen now.

[@anonymouslymysterious1674]

Cara, your content is growing not only just quantitatively but the quality of research and information! As a finance student I'm so fascinated with it.

[@k.k4231kk]

New cara video makes Mondays soo much better

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

☺

[@elise2892]

Tbh, I would not mind a whole video on third spaces, every time you’ve talked about it, it is very interesting. I’d like to know examples of spaces one can go where they aren’t expected to spend money. Only examples I can think of are libraries and parks

[@Galactic_Centre]

Community centers? I am based in Europe, but many community centers over here will offer the first cup of tea/coffee free (and the subsequent ones for a very small fee). They offer socialising opportunities and language classes and arts&crafts hours (sometimes there's a small fee for materials). They host board playing days/nights. They help with administration and tax filing and sometimes they offer free gym classes or classes on mental help. Community centers will host self-help meetings (often not asking money in return).

[@brynhild2012]

I actually did some work with third spaces as climate resilient locations. It can include places like libraries, but also maker spaces, the gym, community centers, pedestrian streets - all kinds of things. Ideally they are free or low cost, but essentially it is a place that is not your home and not your job where you can spend time and meet new folks.

[@elise2892]

@@Galactic_Centre We have the YMCA, but those are often very low quality areas that do expect you to spend money, in the USA, at least in my area, we have no such areas. The library runs events sometimes, but people don’t often come. People aren’t very connected to their communities here

[@AngelicWitch444]

@@elise2892where I live I think the only third space is the church. My family is not very religious but I’ve been feeling the curiosity of joining the church bc I don’t drink or consume other substances and they’re mostly present in parties around here. So the only thing I can think of that wouldn’t involve that is the church

[@sevenflashowls]

I think a lot of people don’t really want to have a third space and that’s why we don’t have them. Also, third spaces are different for kids, teens, young adults and older adults. And adults seek out experiences when they have spare time.

[@flohough1870]

I think you have nailed this. We have lost our sense of community, not just because of a loss of interest in the conventional church, but within our actual communities. There is such a divide, especially over the past year.

[@krk6216]

I think this connection is a stretch honestly. I think what you really are driving at is that social media is slowly replacing religion.

[@beckypetersen2680]

Definitely. People are looking to fill the holes in their hearts that only God can fill. they fill it with things. Or at least they try.

[@weirdmyst7963]

As a Christian who doesn’t go to church like that (slowly trying to go back) a lot of my issues are social. You feel like an outlier when everyone around you is praising and you don’t quite know how to yet. It’s uncomfortable to be with Jesus sometimes when in the back of your mind you know people are around. Especially with COVID, we’re antisocial. We find peace in our phones. I try to get up every morning and read my Bible and/or pray. My max was 2 hours so far! I usually give 20-30 minutes of my morning and 20 to 1hr of my night. But I digress. Humans NEED to be more social in person

[@MichelleMiranda-zc4jr]

I really like the fashion show idea! A video about different ideas of getting together would be interesting

[@shakiyagotdreams2299]

Is it weird that I like the way her voice sounds soothing ❤

[@yasminv.7501]

I think that aesthetics are a form of identity and build just to fit in today’s world. I never thought of it as a religion but I do get that people practice this lifestyle and make it their own top priority just to live that lifestyle and overconsumption. I’m so glad that you posted this video and I enjoy the content you post and I never thought of.

[@george-and-gracie7996]

I don't know. The east of Germany has been pretty atheist for decades wow, but we didn't have this kind of development earlier than America (and while we have aesthetic overconsumption here as well, it is nowhere near what it is like there). I don't think the increase of this kind of consumerism has to do with people going to church less. Makes sense if you look at how capitalism driven many religously conservativs are as well. Lot's of religiously-driven ovrconsumption out ther, too. There have to be other reasons. Btw, I don't like this whole notion that people who don't have or leave their religion search for replacements for it in general. It is perfectly possible to live a life without it. Religion is also just one way to build community. There are other ways to go about it. Totally agree on the urban design and third places thing.

[@anniannianniii]

I agree with you! And I love the username too!! 🖖🏻

[@theluschmasterinc]

"What's my aesthetic??" -- dark luxe, minimalism .. 💙✨

[@weisswinterprison4812]

Sad Beige, but dark?

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

1:56 yes!!! I was surprised when I learned that even Buddhism is misogynistic

[@DavidCruickshank]

East Asia is very patriarchal, so it's not a surprise that the east asian religions are as well.

[@bakkerem1967]

IMO all that 'visual jazz' is purely distraction from the emptiness inside. I don't care about outsides very much. Yeah, there are limits, but it's mostly about what shines through that counts to me.

[@JenniferTheGardevoir78]

Aesthetics are about inspiration, but girls on TikTok and other social media don’t seem to get the memo.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

That Sunday morning for me when I stopped going to church initially was blissful sleep-in time. It still is, but there might be some phone scrolling, making a breakfast that I can't make on weekdays, or cleaning something (or, playing Animal Crossing and procratinsting on cleaning, lol). But I do have a bit of an issue with the amount of time I'm on KZbin and I'd like to get better at that.

[@NovelNovelist]

Loved this one! So thought-provoking

[@KFC-Warrior]

Excellent video Cara, one of your best dare i say. While i don't agree with every single conclusion, it certainly gets you thinking!

[@j.t2310]

Interesting ideas! So social media is like the church/religious building, and you go there to find your community. You make it sound like a positive and uplifting new way to gwt involved and connect with people who share the same intrests and hobbies and ypure not restricted to how many you can be in or distance/age etc.

[@DavidDavisDH]

I like minimalism, not extreme but just enough stuff with my hobbies. My couch, table, TV, a few chairs, desk, gaming PC and my drawing tablet. It works for me.

[@rjs3209]

Hit the nail on the head with this, such a fascinating topic. Any one out there still searching for their community?

[@PuzzlesC4M]

I would propose politics is the new religion with people making it their identity. They attend rallies, memorize talking points, put their hope in saint-like figures, and proselytize for their preferred party.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Eh, I'd counter that with crypto bros 😅. And all of the finance/self-improvement grifters that never in a sane would've should've become successful.

[@sunsetblue06]

I think I've tried the 'meaning over material possessions ' approach and it failed miserably. Now I prefer to buy fall decor

[@lawliet6910]

Thank you so much for this! I guess I am Buddhist but also agnostic. It’s true there is unfortunately still sexism in that which kinda feels like a slap every time it rears up, but alas, no worries as the tenets themselves are good, we just do live in an imperfect world. I’ve liked creating a community around writing and I other hobbies rather than buying. I don’t even like shopping, it stresses me out 😭 too many options

[@Cumuleonimbus]

this is a great video to watch before seeing the new movie The Remarkable Life of Ibelin. He was a kid with a degenerative disease that couldn't really leave his house so he found connections in WoW

[@igpsyamomma5911]

This was a really good vid, probably your best one yet.

[@Anna_9121]

I really liked the religious and philosophical spin in this video addressing the reasons why people have turned to aesthetics. Much better to try and understand than just judge people for being ‘materialistic’ or ‘shallow.’ Often find myself wondering about the shifts in attitudes to religion and how people find community these days also.

[@klein2252]

So true about the home becoming a sanctuary. As a man, I’m totally finished with public spaces. Outside of work, I’ll never step foot inside of a building I don’t own again.

[@sarahlouise2778]

This was a really great one!

[@HenryT-w8h]

very interesting take! Leave me more to think about! Thanks for sharing

[@cheslxy]

Aesthetic is supposed to be personal not one trend after another. Stick to what suits you and what you like. Own your signature style.

[@acdstcks205]

I honestly dont see the difference between now and the past where you had mods, punks, hippies, goths etc.

[@popculture70]

I totally subscribed to this channel for the aesthetics ❤

[@John-vp1ej]

love this take, keep it up!!

[@palasiksivain]

culture gatherings is the way to go for me. local theaters, art expos...that's where i meet up with other members of my community, the small town i live in eastern finland. also, other public events like anime conventions are amazing. one good thing about being a cringe nerd is that we've managed to find community in the things we love thru the act of giving back to everyone in the gathering. making cosplay costumes, organizing meetups for specific anime shows, creating a wholeass series of drama plays re-enacting the plot of fucking digimon (this is currently going on in finnish conventions!!!).... when you get creative, you'll find community wherever you go

[@jmsl_910]

omg. this is a very clever analysis... consumption v. creation cara, i think you have a book here. i've never heard this angle before--if it's your original idea use you MUST write & publish this idea i think you are really onto something. video idea: more examples of how to parlay an aesthetic to creating community & products it's genius

[@drew8235]

It's good to see people moving away from religion. Don't want it, don't need it, world will be a better place without it.

[@Nymph_Peaches]

What this world needs is a genuine relationship with God and NOT just more rules to "follow" Because a pastor/priest/etc says so . -This world is already a mess and will proceed to get worse with the godlessness it's trying to hold onto. it just doesn't work and isn't good FOR ANY OF US .

[@emily5802]

@@Nymph_Peaches you dont need god nor religion to have morals and be a good person

[@robertoninffert8677]

I live your Chanel!

[@Nithrade]

Wow, I never thought about aesthetics this way. You make a very good point. The next level are Botox, Osempic, and plastic surgery then, right? I always thought money was the new religion, were we build temples for it like shiny banks and malls to spend it, but aesthetics hits a deeper level when one adds the community aspect. I need to think about it. Thank you for this video! (These thoughts I have about this are hard to express in a foreign language, sorry.)

[@chimmypark1603]

Yay new Cara video!

[@Jane_Doe_8909]

I've noticed that there are so many people who will say they are not religious, but will be super into astrology and other things that are usually considered superstitious, like it's somehow filling a spiritual void

[@rainworld-f3i]

Barbie movie was terrible. Idk how people fell into that social trap. It was like watching consumerism disguised as feminism. And regarding that community aspect how people want to belong, feel a part of, have fun etc, a good example of that is the Timothee Chalamat lookalike contest that was held recently in New York, now that was something fun and something community and it didn't need any aesthetics or crazy money spends, its just people wanting to gather up to do something cool and fun. No crazy spends needed for that. The winning amount was like $50 and that youtuber guy spent $500 on the fine as well. But it gave something entertaining and memorable for people to remisice for a long time. Now that should be the goal, not whatever Barbie did under the name of movie promotions.

[@2rx_bni]

I actually experienced burnout trying to organize constantly. I got sick of people flaking, not responding and generally making excuses. So I got new friends. I also am a practicing Therevadan Buddhist with a side order of Taoism. I think both the choice to discard people who don't want to meet me in the middle and the belief system helped me feel belonging. I also know I'm not going to stay where I live. I fucking hate it here, but I do know where I'm wanting to go and the people I'll want to spend time with when I get there. You gotta plan or it'll result in failing.

[@curlyvassa]

It would be great to add to this part, how government & other ideologies (supported by the gov establishment) are trying to “creep in” in our lives 2:15

[@mattanderson6672]

Thanks

[@ld9387]

Please do a video on ponzi schemes

[@user-dh1un9lk9f]

I’m reminded of a twitter thread I read about someone’s lonely mom who was big on QAnon and conspiracies but got out of that by becoming a K-pop Stan instead.

[@akong331]

I mean. Once upon a time, I was the sporty spice in our friend group lol so I don’t hate on the new generation, but I did it within “my” means. 😅

[@Eddiesenses]

Beautiful

[@Kelbel5995]

Definitely agree with your hot take that every religion is patriarchal.

[@unsuckfilter]

What many people don’t bother to try and answer about their beliefs, including religion, is the question “is it true?” I love your channel’s theme and how it tries to dig deeper beyond the surface. I hope you’ll do the same with Christianity and go beyond looking at the utilitarian view.

[@xDrak17x]

Fundamentally I would say it’s impossible for something like religion to be replaced by aesthetics just because as you mentioned it’s surface level. And I don’t mean any offence when I say this, but I would say that your understanding of religion has some holes. You’ve got to look at it from a level where ultimately we won’t have an real definition for what it would mean to be “good” if there is no objective basis for it, which would make any pursuit of that idea of good meaningless. I won’t write an entire essay here but at the end of the day I would say that there is no way for someone to find real purpose and meaning without a belief that is external to the world around us.

[@nadaahmed-g3t]

As i watched you i remembered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Allah does not look at your outward appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds." What you're saying is self-worship, getting obsessed about one's own reflection to the extent of obtuseness and lunacy. I am Sorry to say it if it offends you but you just described the reason behind our gluttony and greed, no amount of Yoga or meditation can help these self obsessed souls.

[@Ss-ls7kr]

Alhamdilliah for Islam💙 truly we are taught that we need to put deen (faith) above dunya (world) and ego, because the dunya doesn’t last forever

[@mexicantwistedjoker]

😅I have no friends with me only online friends so it’s hard for me to go out but it’s okay I like to stay in tho but I have no time to see what’s new or not I like my old style and I would like to keep it that way

[@iTzDritte]

5:04 Bilt Rewards is a pretty sweet deal. Wells Fargo is losing $10 million per MONTH on it, so it’s essentially a wealth transfer from one of the least moral consumer banks to YOU! I’m making hay while the sun is shining (that is, until the long-term deal expires and Wells Fargo backs out).

[@megmcguigan3857]

The thing with aesthetics is that they are largely shallow without any meaning. It's people buying crap they don't need to become people they actually are not. People mindlessly spending money is this economy is insane.

[@irenelala]

7:18 How is this a _christian_ autumn aestetic? 😂 Do only christian ladies wear this? I don't understand. (But I'm not from the US)

[@Cumuleonimbus]

religious wars will never truly cease. violent men will attack us women just for the barbie aesthetic.

[@aa90502]

men hate women honestly

[@nai1136]

Early!!

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

hi hi!! thanks for watching :D

[@Bogaloo1232]

First.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

yay!!

[@vincent_dr]

great video, cara! i believe the rise of 'new religions' is often tied to the appeal of simpler, more comforting beliefs. traditional religions offer something different even though some of the rules and beliefs are strict. and maybe that is the reason it lasted so long, people just follow guidelines provided to live a simple life.

[@carloa877]

Aesthetics ain't gonna save your soul. It just makes people more narcissistic towards each other.

[@mywish4587]

Aesthetics are just an illusion of uniqueness based on themes.

[@AlexHider]

Aesthetics is just window dressing for the same issue - consumerism. They exist to get you to buy things. They are not the problem, but they are a problem.

[@Amaya-mf6yq]

loved the content but, please, the music reminds so much of sensationalist media... it doesn't help to reflect on the subject

[@Lostboy811]

You make it seem like a bad thing without mentioning anything good about it

[@Ss-ls7kr]

Thank God for Islam, the Qur'an regards women and men as equals and only ranks humans based on their moral choices and piety.

[@plantday4680]

The community looking for bl readers and people who enjoy fantasy world with cool powers and fighting cause I can't the stand boring mudane world

[@heysaras]

It is all marketing and making money in an attention economy.

[@CordeliaWagner1999]

🏳️‍🌈 is the new religion. You see it by the way people react when you criticize a community.

[@shahrulaiezam924]

Hello

[@Aura-0707]

Fake happy with fake pictures at least im happy with dreaming❤💔

[@90swannabe56]

As much as people may try the third place can’t be replaced with aesthetics or cores

[@1Gr8Editrix]

"Becoming community makers." How do you make a community without a shared culture? Even simple friendships depend on shared values. You just said you're an agnostic, yet comment on the decline of religion. Without an ideology, there is no binding agent among people. Creation of urban space -- which you think will bring people together -- is short-sighted, let alone naive.

[@Safiislam-r9i]

Hello Dear, Do you need a professional youtube thumbnail designer? My goal is to create eye-catching thumbnails that not only represent your content but also enhance your brand identity I would love to take on all your KZbin thumbnail design needs, allowing you to focus on creating great content. You can trust that I will deliver high-quality designs tailored to your vision and requirements.

[@SPMinerva]

And worship the digital age. People really need hobbies, i chat with some girl and they said scrolling tiktok are their hobbies. Like urghh okay

[@Aura-0707]

Aesthetic is known as minimalistic not Pinterest luxury lyf😂

[@guenthermarschall01]

Thank you for this video. Sadly, you're absolutely right: Black Rock Investments justifies the expansion of its stake in LVMH and RICHMOND as follows: ‘In a world in which family ties are increasingly dissolving, religion plays less and less of a role and social structures are increasingly disintegrating, which leads to less meaningful connections between people, luxury brands offer a sense of belonging and identification, both of which are rudimentary human needs. The successful capitalising on this is therefore a business model with increasing value in the future.’ Note: Not a single syllable is spoken here about the quality of the products.

[@sandybelle5703]

I’m not following certain aesthetics i’m here for the fresh persoectives thanks😂🩷