Quit attempting to popularize the notion that ‘Taylor Swift is a psychological operation
Two months ago, I had the audacity to claim that Taylor Swift’s immense popularity was a sign of societal decline. While the provocative headline caught people’s attention, they missed the deeper message behind it.
Swift’s rise to fame led to an influx of intellectuals praising her, desperately seeking cultural relevance. They wrote think pieces trying to convince themselves of her greatness, but in reality, her music mainly appealed to average teenagers. This excessive adoration of Swift was unwarranted, especially considering her mediocre songwriting skills. It was inevitable that a backlash would occur, even if Swift didn’t actively seek all the attention.
My main point was simple: don’t attribute so much cultural power to someone who hasn’t earned or deserved it. It was foolish to see The New York Times treat Swift, an average songwriter, as the next Bob Dylan. On top of that, Swift seemed to dominate every aspect of pop culture. It was only a matter of time before a backlash ensued.
Recently, there has been a frenzy of discussions on social media about Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce and its potential impact on the 2024 election. One might think that the backlash has arrived.
At first glance, shouldn’t conservatives applaud the idea of Swift leaving her English rockstar boyfriend for an all-American football star? The imagery of the pretty blonde girl rushing from the stands to smooch her victorious boyfriend is reminiscent of ’80s teen movies and Norman Rockwell paintings. As Ross Douthat writes in a New York Times column, this romance represents normalcy and wholesomeness that conservatives should embrace.
The cultural valence of the Swift-Kelce romance isn’t just normal and wholesome and mainstream in a way that conservatism shouldn’t want to be defined against. It’s normal and wholesome and mainstream in an explicitly conservative-coded way, offering up the kind of romantic iconography that much of the online right supposedly wants to encourage and support.
I agree with Douthat’s analysis, but there are some important caveats. The politics behind this romance are more complicated than they appear. Swift’s ex-boyfriend, the English guy, was associated with alt-right podcasts, while Kelce faced controversy for being a Pfizer spokesman. These factors need to be considered.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the Biden administration openly desires Swift’s endorsement. This raises the point that voters on the left often believe in outlandish conspiracy theories, just like Swift did during the 2020 election. She spread misinformation about Trump sabotaging the Post Office, despite it having no basis in reality.
However, the obsession and conspiracies surrounding Swift on the right are primarily driven by a few online influencers. It’s edgy and entertaining to discuss, and as I’ve experienced, criticizing Swift garners attention. The mainstream right, including prominent pundits like Matt Walsh, dismisses the controversy.
Overall, there is no concrete evidence that large numbers of people are upset about Taylor Swift or believe she is part of a plan to help Biden get reelected. It’s unnecessary to concoct a conspiracy when Swift’s political leanings are already clear. The focus on her is mostly confined to online discussions and does not reflect broader public opinion.
In the end, we are a society that has lost sight of the values that should define good art and politics. We engage in meta conversations about Taylor Swift, contributing to the problem. Let’s not attribute excessive cultural or political power to someone who hasn’t earned it. Swift is simply a pretty girl who writes catchy, but unremarkable, songs. That should be enough.
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How can the celebration of diverse relationships and identities challenge the idea of a “normal” or mainstream image?
, and it is essential to approach the topic with nuance and critical thinking.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that celebrities’ romantic relationships should not be the basis for political analysis or decision-making. While Swift’s relationship with Kelce may be captivating or interesting to some, it is not a reliable indicator of her personal beliefs or potential impact on the 2024 election. It is dangerous to make assumptions or draw conclusions about someone’s political stance solely based on their choice of partner.
Secondly, it is essential to question the notion of “normalcy” and what it represents. While Douthat argues that the Swift-Kelce romance embodies a conservative-coded ideal, it is necessary to challenge the idea that a particular type of relationship or image should be upheld as normal or mainstream. The diversity of relationships and identities should be celebrated, and we should strive for inclusivity rather than promoting certain narrow stereotypes.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the influence and pressure that celebrities face in endorsing or engaging in political discussions. While some may argue that celebrities should use their platform to voice their opinions, it is crucial to recognize that not all celebrities are informed or well-versed on political matters. It is unfair and unrealistic to expect celebrities to be political experts or to attribute significant weight to their personal relationships in the political sphere.
In conclusion, the recent discussions surrounding Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce and its potential impact on the 2024 election highlight the need for critical thinking and nuance when analyzing celebrity relationships and their political implications. It is essential to avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions based solely on a celebrity’s choice of partner. Rather than focusing on celebrity relationships, we should prioritize engaging in informed and substantive political discussions that address important societal issues.
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