The Troubling Allure of the "Old Money" Aesthetic

The "old money" aesthetic has taken social media by storm, with content creators showcasing a curated vision of wealth and privilege. However, this trend is not without its problematic undertones, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and romanticizes the exclusion and exploitation that have historically enabled the accumulation of generational wealth.

Uncovering the Troubling Undercurrents of the "Old Money" Trend

The Homogeneity of the "Old Money" Aesthetic

The "old money" trend has gained significant traction on social media, with content creators showcasing a uniform aesthetic that seems to cater to a specific demographic. The vast majority of these creators are thin, white individuals, whose outfits and hairstyles evoke a sense of inherited privilege and exclusivity. This homogeneity is troubling, as it perpetuates the notion that elegance and class are inherently associated with a particular racial and socioeconomic background.

The Romanticization of Wealth Inequality

The "old money" trend also serves to romanticize the economic exclusion and exploitation that have historically enabled the accumulation of generational wealth. As Nikole Hannah-Jones' "The 1619 Project" highlights, the wealth of European colonial empires, slave-owning white Americans, and various industries was built upon the free labor and exploitation of Black people. This legacy of systemic racism and economic injustice continues to reverberate today, with white American families being twice as likely to receive an inheritance and typically inheriting three times the amount that Black families do.

The Disconnect with Economic Realities

At a time when income inequality is on the rise, the middle class is shrinking, and the cost of living is putting a financial strain on many households, the "old money" trend feels particularly out of touch. The projection of intergenerational wealth and privilege seems to directly oppose the economic realities faced by a growing number of Americans, particularly those from marginalized communities. This disconnect is further exacerbated by the fact that home ownership remains unattainable for large segments of the population, disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic Americans.

The Reinforcement of Racist and Classist Stereotypes

The homogeneity of the "old money" trend and the way it juxtaposes "elegant" and "vulgar" aesthetics also serve to reinforce racist and classist stereotypes about who is deemed worthy of belonging in certain spaces. These videos create a stark contrast between the perceived refinement of whiteness and the perceived vulgarity of non-whiteness, further entrenching harmful biases and exclusion.

The Disconnect with Generational Diversity

The "old money" trend also seems to be at odds with the perceived progressivism and diversity of the younger generation. As the world grapples with pressing social and environmental issues, the romanticization of wealth and privilege can feel particularly tone-deaf and out of touch.In conclusion, the "old money" aesthetic trend on social media is not merely a harmless fashion statement. It is a reflection of deeper societal issues, including the perpetuation of racist and classist stereotypes, the romanticization of economic exclusion and exploitation, and the disconnect between the privileged few and the economic realities faced by the majority. As individuals and as a society, we must be willing to critically examine these trends and their underlying implications, and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.