We Need to Stop Bashing Taylor Swift for Her Feminism
Taylor Swift is everywhere. Not a day goes by without radio stations playing “Shake It Off” for the umpteenth time or without her face plastered all over news articles and magazines. Swarms of paparazzi track her every move, hoping to snap a photo of her that will pervade throughout social media. News organizations report on her legs or her alleged relationship status.
The constant media attention Swift garners also comes with pressure to uphold a prominent public image — one that is constantly questioned and criticized by society. Her powerful voice in the music industry makes her one of the most polarizing entertainers in the world. Every action she takes is heavily scrutinized by the public with admiration, praise, awe, and the inevitable backlash. Amidst it all, some of her loudest critics are women that condemn Swift’s actions — or lack thereof.
People often portray Swift as a “self-serving feminist,” claiming that her support for women’s rights is a trendy marketing ploy to sell concert tickets and albums to young fans. They bash her for not being vocal enough during the 2016 election and for painting herself as a victim of feminism. They criticize her friend group, which is mostly comprised of thin, white women. They question why she hasn’t spoken up for more diverse causes.
These are valid concerns. As a woman with global influence and millions of followers, Swift does have a platform to call for change and advocate for important women’s issues. She has the power to speak out against sexist politicians, use her wealth to support feminist causes, and work to bring attention to the voices of members of minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. As a self-proclaimed feminist, Swift could do so much more — but that’s her personal choice.
Swift does not have to fulfill any obligations to be a feminist; she simply has to believe that people of all genders are entitled to the same rights. Swift bolsters the images of women in her own way — she empowers women with her independence and strength. She’s a role model to young girls with her strength and confidence. As a survivor of sexual assault, Swift has also testified against the man who committed the assault, raised awareness for sexual violence, and donated to other survivors. Ultimately, Swift is not a politician or a human rights activist. She is an entertainer, and it is her choice to speak out on issues of importance to her in the way that she chooses to.
It is also her choice to keep her views to herself — a choice that is an extension of her personal decision to maintain her privacy. Last August, Swift deleted all the posts off her social media platforms. Her last live performance to date was on Saturday Night Live in November, and before that, she hadn’t performed in front of public audiences since January of 2017. For months, she neglected to appear on talk shows and participate in live interviews. It’s Swift’s choice to stay private and quietly support causes that she cares about.
Claiming that Taylor Swift is “not feminist enough” or “being a fake feminist” does not help feminism — instead it only perpetuates the idea that in order to be a feminist, advocates must adhere to certain rules and support certain ideas. It creates dangerous misconceptions that can isolate potential supporters of the cause and stigmatizes the feminist movement. Instead, true feminists are men and women with diverse perspectives who show their support of gender equality in different ways. For Swift, it’s shaping the image of women through her music and advocating for survivors of sexual violence. No matter what they do to support gender equality, these feminists are making a genuine effort that should be applauded.
You are entitled to your own opinion on Taylor Swift and her feminist efforts. However, if you feel that she’s not doing enough to promote feminism, it’s up to you to fill in the gap. Support the feminists that you believe are making a strong impact on the movement for equality. Dedicate your time and efforts to raising awareness for gender-related issues that others stay silent on. Be a champion of causes that are failing to get enough attention. Don’t bring down the actions of feminists you disagree with — lift up the ones that you agree with. Taylor Swift is making a choice — now you make yours.
