I DISSENT: Why Cringe is More Honest Than Your Judgment

Eye rolls, facepalms, and judgment: “That’s cringe!” the internet declares. Dismissed as shameful, "cringe" is perceived as one of the most embarrassing adjectives someone who knows nothing about your life can use. It takes bravery to dare to be "cringe," and the act of putting yourself out there should be recognized as raw, unfiltered expression that challenges social norms.

"Cringe" is traditionally defined as something awkward, embarrassing, or socially unacceptable. But if we reframe this definition, we can begin to see that cringe is an expression of rawness and a stance of defiance against mainstream cultural awareness. "Cringe" is often a deeper expression of personal and collective desires, anxieties, and individuality.

The irony in the judgment itself is that attempts to correct "cringe" are yet another form of repression and social rigidity. We judge others as "cringe" as a reflection of our discomfort with nonconformity and emotional honesty. No one is free from "cringey" moments, and striving for perfection leads to an inauthentic and shallow existence. So why are we collectively so afraid of being deemed a social outcast?

We, as a society, have rigid social constructs regarding what is and isn’t "acceptable" or "normal." When we label someone’s behavior as "cringe," we are socially policing their actions and encouraging uniform conformity. The widespread fear of social rejection is paralyzing and profoundly impacts what people deem acceptable. The rise of "cringe culture" is amplified in social media spaces, where soundbites promote groupthink ideologies about the actions of strangers on the screen of a device. Those who seek to preserve the social hierarchy weaponize embarrassment against those who disrupt the status quo, leading to a more homogeneous and dull society.

It is those who dare to challenge culture that we first call "cringe," and then ask how they achieved their goals. Being "cringe" is a mechanism for expression and authenticity. Moving toward a society that is more comfortable with discomfort is ultimately a society that is closer to embracing the totality of its populace.

Let me be clear: I am not asserting that we should allow insane and horrid acts to become normalized. This is not a call for the acceptance of criminal activity, because that is "cringe" in the worst way. I simply believe that being different is not the crime we often make it out to be, and if you are "cringe" because you are different, you have no choice but to embrace it.

Cringe is ultimately a vehicle for freedom and nothing to be ashamed of. Honest and often courageous, being "cringe" can set you free from the artificial constraints of society. If being "cringe" means you refuse to accept the terms outlined for you by a society that is not designed for your success, then you should embrace being "cringey" for the rest of your days. What you may call "cringe," I call "performance art." Something is only a flop if you allow others to determine it as such.