Op-ed Comments On Swift

Even if her music isn’t your cup of tea, there's no denying Taylor Swift’s status as a cultural icon and economic powerhouse.

In October 2023, Swift became a billionaire, the first musician to make Forbes’ billionaires ranking solely from her songs and tours. Her immense wealth and the dedication of her fans, known as the "Swifties," have elevated her to idol status, with people closely following her personal life, from her relationships to her views on social issues.

While many admire her, not everyone sees Swift as the ideal role model. Newsweek’s John Mac Ghlionn published an opinion piece titled “Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model,” offering a contrasting perspective on Swift’s influence.

Ghlionn acknowledges Swift’s economic impact but scrutinizes her very public personal life to assess how her actions might resonate with young women. He points out that Swift, an unmarried, childless woman in her mid-thirties, has dated numerous high-profile men while often criticizing the “patriarchy.” Despite her success, Ghlionn argues that Swift’s lyrics frequently portray her as a victim.

Ghlionn’s critique centers on the idea that Swift’s personal choices, rather than her work ethic and creativity, are more likely to influence her fans.

He suggests that her high-profile relationships with celebrities like Joe Jonas, Harry Styles, and Travis Kelce promote a revolving door of relationships without emotional depth, raising questions about stability, commitment, and love.

Swift’s portrayal of herself as a victim in her lyrics, coupled with her numerous high-profile relationships, sends a troubling message. Ghlionn argues that Swift’s narrative encourages young women to date powerful, influential, and wealthy individuals, and when things go wrong, to depict themselves as victims.

Beyond her lyrics and relationships, Swift’s public statements also influence her audience. For instance, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Swift expressed her fear and framed abortion as a fundamental women’s right. Ghlionn suggests that Swift’s stance on abortion parallels her views on dating, normalizing both casual relationships and abortions without considering their profound implications.

Ghlionn’s article implies that emulating Swift’s personal life could leave young women feeling empty, miserable, and alone, blaming the world for their problems instead of taking responsibility.

While Swift’s work ethic and creative genius are commendable and worth emulating, Ghlionn’s critique raises important questions about the broader impact of her personal choices and public statements. As Swift’s influence continues to grow, it’s crucial for her fans to critically evaluate the messages they receive and consider how they align with their values and aspirations.