Embrace the Backyard Barnyard? Delve into the Agricultural Aesthetic
Homesteading Essentials, Represented by Homestead Core, Gaining Popularity on TikTok, Transforming Self-Sufficiency into a Popular Pastime
Sydney Meister
It's becoming quite the scene on social media feeds - compost bins that wouldn't be out of place in a minimalist Scandinavian home, preserved goods showcased in vintage Weck jars, and seed packets neatly arranged like photos in a picture book. Say hello to the burgeoning trend we're calling Agri-Aesthetic.
But what's going on beneath this chic veneer? It's a response to rising food costs and unpredictable supply chains, as people turn to self-sufficiency in a bid to ease the pinch of inflation. With searches for live chickens up an astounding 424%, and chicken coops seeing a 163% increase in sightings, this agricultural aesthetic is no mere passing fad.
WHY THE ALLURE?
At first glance, this may appear to be simply a trendy style of gardening or homesteading. But the impetus driving this trend goes deeper. The Agri-Aesthetic keeps survival at its heart, cloaked in an appealing packaging appealing to our need for self-sufficiency in times of uncertainty.
The roots of this movement can be traced to the early days of the pandemic, when anxiety over future shortages and unstable systems took hold. Instead of critically examining the systems in place and demanding change, we started crafting our own survival infrastructure, masking it as design.
WHEN SURVIVAL MEETS DESIGN
Case in point, I'm a self-proclaimed urban dweller, more at home with a snake plant than a vegetable patch. I have little interest in preserving jams or setting up water catchment systems. Nevertheless, I've had moments in a bodega, staring at a $12 carton of eggs, where I could understand the allure of a chicken coop.
The Agri-Aesthetic isn't just a visual treat, it's a symptom of a larger problem. It offers an escape from a system that fails to meet our basic needs, providing a distraction through DIY projects and recipes instead of addressing the root cause of the issue.
NO FRILLS FARMING
The Agri-Aesthetic blends seamlessly with other trends like cottagecore and housewifecore, which celebrate traditional domestic practices, rural living, and homemaking. But unlike these trends, the Agri-Aesthetic carries a hefty dose of pragmatism and self-reliance. It's farm life meets DIY minimalism - a response to the challenges of our time.
But let's not forget, the Agri-Aesthetic isn't all doom and gloom. If this lifestyle brings you joy, that's fantastic! But it's important to remember that for many, this isn't merely a hobby - it's a necessary coping mechanism in a system that's not working for them.
SMOOTHING OVER SYSTEMIC FAILURES
Trends like the Agri-Aesthetic demonstrate the power of social media in shaping our collective psyche. By presenting economic strain as a desirable lifestyle choice, the Agri-Aesthetic serves to mask the harsh realities of the current system and take our focus away from the pressing questions we should be asking ourselves, such as why food prices are still 31% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
In conclusion, the Agri-Aesthetic is more than just a passing fad – it's a reflection of our collective anxiety. If this is the new normal for us, we need to shift our attention from how to start an Agri rearview mirror farm to understanding why we feel the need to.
- The Agri-Aesthetic, often showcased on social media, combines elements of fashion, as seen in the vintage Weck jars, with a focus on self-sufficiency rooted in lifestyle choices.
- Food-and-drink prices and unpredictable supply chains have led to a rise in home-and-garden trends like the Agri-Aesthetic, where homeowners are not only growing their own vegetables but also keeping live animals like chickens.
- Beauty and personal care can also find a place within the Agri-Aesthetic, as growing herbs for natural skincare products becomes increasingly popular among those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.
- While the Agri-Aesthetic offers a visual appeal and self-sufficiency, it serves as a distraction from the root causes of food insecurity and inflated prices, calling for a critical examination of the systems in place and demand for long-term change.
