Taylor Swift’s new album “The Life of a Showgirl” came out on Oct. 3 to mixed reviews. These reviews were discussing the quality of the music itself, with Alexis Patridis from the Guardian writing:
“The rest floats in one ear and out the other: not unpleasantly, but you might reasonably expect more given the amassed songwriting firepower behind it, and Swift’s claims of ‘keeping the bar really high.’”
The differences in musical opinion are drastic, with the Rolling Stone giving the album five stars compared to the Guardian’s two stars.
But this isn’t even the most controversial aspect of the album. What’s most topical has to be the political discourse surrounding the album, with some even claiming Swift could be a secret Trump supporter, or “MAGA.”
A lot of listeners specifically took issue with her song “CANCELLED!” claiming that she wrote it about her friends in the NFL, many of whom are Trump supporters.
Taylor Swift is not a Republican. She has repeatedly endorsed democratic candidates for president in past election cycles.
These speculations, though untrue, are not unfounded. Many women of color are speaking out against Swift’s new album, claiming there’s a racialized undertone to her lyricism in relation to Kelce’s ex-girlfriends, who were Black women.
The argument that Swift is a Trump supporter is categorically false but her attitude towards women, especially women of color, as one of the richest and most influential people in the world, is punching down.
We see this in her song “Actually Romantic.” It is clearly about no other than Charli XCX. In the song, Swift sings:
“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave; High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me; Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face”
Even though the “BRAT” creator has her own power and influence, she is still a woman of color and has less of a network than Swift. Making fun of alleged substance abuse over a song that was about Charli XCX’s own insecurities is tactless and lacks critical thinking skills.
She might not have meant to come off as an insensitive wealthy white woman, but the innocence and cuteness of her earlier albums and persona do not excuse her behavior. In a political climate that is more charged than ever before in her career, she has to be especially aware of the impact of her influence and lyricism.
Being a registered Democrat isn’t enough. No one is asking for Swift to lead marches in Washington, but it is common decency to be aware of your privilege and to educate yourself so harm is not done to marginalized communities.
I have no issue with people who like her music. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift. I also don’t care if people want to listen to her new album and have fun with it. It just cannot come at the expense of ignoring harmful behavior when we see it.
Swift doesn’t have to be a Trump supporter to exude privilege and show signs of misogyny and racism. Swifties can like her music, but they must also hold her accountable and listen to the voices of women of color who are rightfully taking offense to “The Life of a Showgirl.”
