Cultural Perceptions: Who Decides What Is Trashy?

 

So back to the matter at hand. 

Cultural norms play a crucial role in shaping the perception of what is considered "trashy." The label is often applied inconsistently, reflecting societal values that evolve over time and differ across regions, classes, and subcultures. As I have stated before, many times, what is deemed inappropriate or vulgar in one society may be perfectly acceptable or even aspirational in another.

For instance, a good example of how what is deemed inappropriate or vulgar in one society may be acceptable or even aspirational in another is the perception of female body modification and beauty standards. In Brazil, for instance, undergoing plastic surgery, particularly procedures like butt lifts or breast augmentation, is often seen as a status symbol, associated with beauty and self-care. In contrast, in France, excessive cosmetic surgery is often frowned upon and associated with artificiality or insecurity. A woman who flaunts surgically enhanced features in Brazil might be admired, while in France, she could be considered “trashy” or superficial.

Another example, but a bit more general,  would be that in Western societies, wearing short skirts, crop tops, or plunging necklines can be seen as fashionable and empowering. However, in more conservative cultures, the same fashion choices might be deemed inappropriate or vulgar, reinforcing societal standards of modesty.

Traditionally, societal gatekeepers—including media figures, community leaders, and online audiences—play a significant influence in shaping and reinforcing ideas of respectability. Through film, television, and digital platforms, these gatekeepers determine which behaviors and aesthetics are deemed acceptable and which are ridiculed or condemned. Reality television, celebrity scandals, and viral internet moments only further amplify these distinctions, often subjecting women to harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts. But not just that, also women who embrace hyper-femininity, loud self-expression, or provocative aesthetics are often deemed "trashy" despite their choices being personal expressions of style. 

Moreover, the perception of "trashiness" is deeply intertwined with classism, sexism, and racism, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities in several key ways. 

For example when we look at classism, we can see that the label "trashy" is often applied disproportionately to working-class women and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Historically, women from lower-income communities have been criticized for their fashion, behavior, and lifestyle choices, even when they align with mainstream trends. So if we have a wealthy woman wearing flashy designer clothing this may be seen as stylish, while a lower-income woman wearing a tight dress and large earrings might be dismissed as "cheap" or "vulgar." This disparity highlights how "trashiness" is frequently used as a way to reinforce class boundaries and exclude those who lack financial privilege from notions of "respectability."

Furthermore, when we look at sexism and the need to control female sexuality, again the term "trashy" is disproportionately used against women rather than men, reinforcing double standards in gendered behavior. Women who dress in revealing clothing, embrace their sexuality, or engage in behaviors associated with pleasure—such as drinking, partying, or having multiple partners—are often labeled "trashy" while men who exhibit the same behaviors are praised as confident or successful. This reflects a long-standing patriarchal desire to control female bodies and reinforce restrictive notions of "proper" womanhood.

Another aspect that should not be ignored is the racism and cultural biases also present in this equation. Women of color are also disproportionately affected by labels like "trashy" due to racialized beauty standards and cultural biases. For example, Black women who wear bold fashion, use vernacular speech, or express confidence are often labeled as "ghetto" or "loud," terms that carry connotations similar to "trashy" but are racialized to demean Black femininity. What is seen as "sassy" or playful in white women is frequently considered "aggressive" in Black women. 

On the other hand, Latina women often face hypersexualization, with curves, bright colors, and expressive personalities being misinterpreted as "too much" or inappropriate. Figures like Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B have faced both admiration and criticism for embodying styles and attitudes that push against Eurocentric respectability. And Asian women often face stereotypes of being submissive and reserved, but when they break out of these expectations by dressing provocatively or asserting independence, they may be labeled as "trashy" or "trying too hard" to mimic Western femininity.

The Media reinforces these biases as their representations have long shaped these perceptions, painting certain women as respectable and others as disposable. White, upper-class women are often framed as icons of grace and elegance, while working-class and non-white women are portrayed as excessive or scandalous. Also Reality TV, tabloid culture, and viral internet shaming disproportionately target marginalized women, reinforcing these divisions.

The rise of digital culture has only intensified this phenomenon. Social media enables real-time public judgment, where influencers and online communities dictate evolving standards of beauty, fashion, and behavior. Women who push against these boundaries frequently face backlash, from being labeled as attention-seeking to outright character assassination. However, this same digital landscape also allows for subversive movements to thrive.

Many subcultures actively reclaim what mainstream society dismisses as "trashy." Movements such as bimbo feminism, punk, and certain strains of body positivity celebrate bold self-expression, rejecting restrictive respectability politics. Again, figures like Dolly Parton, Cardi B, and RuPaul have turned once-derided aesthetics into symbols of empowerment, challenging the legitimacy of labels like "trashy" and exposing their arbitrary nature.

In conclusion, when we look into these cultural perceptions, we see how fluid and socially constructed these ideas really are. So ultimately we end up questioning whether the concept of "trashiness" serves any real purpose, or if it is just there to enforce conformity and marginalize those who refuse to adhere to societal expectations.