Peoplehood is an aesthetic revolving around common acts of kindness and intimacy that are present in daily life. Popularized as "Peoplehood" on Tumblr[citation needed] and related to "Slice of life," this aesthetic stems from a shared admiration for poetry, quotes from literature, music, and artworks that exalt human connection. There is heavy emphasis on creating patterns between certain imagery and motifs through moodboards and compilations/parallels/web-weaving (explained below). Certain works have become incredibly well-known and venerated in those circles, with those being the subject of many compilations and even memes. Some of the most popular include: "The Orange" by Wendy Cope, multiple Ocean Vuong poems, and "The Two-Headed Calf" by Laura Gilpin.
History[]
Peoplehood is a continuation of the yearning culture present in Dark Academia and Cottagecore communities, as well as the sentiment present on TikTok about being the "main character" in one's own life and the necessity of romanticization for positive mental health.
Visuals[]
- Hands, typically holding something or shaped in an interesting way
- Windows of apartment buildings
- People around a kitchen table eating and drinking
- Cut fruit
- Fauvism
- People existing within public spaces, typically of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds
- Bustling streets
- Food, typically soup and dishes to be shared communally
- Public displays of affection, such as hugging, kissing, and hand-holding
Criticism[]
Many of the photos and videos popularized in the community were taken without the knowledge or consent of the subjects involved, which is a violation of privacy. The most popular example being the TikTok of a phone placed onto a conveyor belt-style sushi restaurant, with the practice then being banned.