I have been a devoted admirer of Taylor Swift since she burst onto the music scene, and her songs have effectively become the soundtrack of my adult life. I’ve experienced every twist and turn of her journey with steadfast loyalty. Naturally, when I discovered she was releasing a documentary, my excitement was hard to contain.
From the outset, Taylor (we’re on a first-name basis here) articulates her longing for others to perceive her as “good.” She strives to embody the ideal woman, squeezing herself into the constricting mold that society often expects women to fit into for acceptance. This foundational theme sets the stage for the documentary’s unfolding narrative.
One pivotal moment marks Taylor’s transition into true adulthood: the fallout from Kim Kardashian sharing video footage that seemingly depicted Swift giving her blessing to Kanye West referring to her as a derogatory term in his song “Famous.” Although she insists she had no idea he would use such language, the internet turned against her in an instant, leading to her retreat from public life. During this year-long hiatus, Taylor finally underwent the personal growth she was previously denied.
Your late twenties can be a significant period of self-discovery, even for someone as prominent as Taylor Swift. While she was away, the world evolved, and so did she. After facing a grueling sexual assault case in court, Taylor recognized that remaining silent about issues she cared about was no longer an option. Her vivid recounting of the courtroom ordeal awakened a sense of urgency within her, prompting her to engage with political matters. This transition was particularly challenging for someone who had historically shied away from political discourse.
It’s essential to remember that Taylor’s beginnings are rooted in country music. From the very start, she was advised to keep her personal beliefs to herself. The country genre doesn’t typically embrace political opinions unless they lean conservatively—just ask the Dixie Chicks. A woman expressing political views is often frowned upon, which goes against her desire for approval. Yet, adulthood brings the realization that sometimes you must say “forget it” and stop conforming to others’ expectations.
At 28, Taylor began to voice her political views openly. Despite resistance from the men in her circle, including her typically supportive father, she chose to speak out against Marsha Blackburn’s Senate campaign. Witnessing her being dismissed by older white men is both heartbreaking and infuriating. These individuals are often the very ones who resist change. Nevertheless, Taylor comprehended the implications of this woman, whom she likened to “Trump in a wig,” gaining power.
When Taylor encouraged her fans in Tennessee to vote Democrat through social media, I felt a rush of pride. It was heartening to see her embrace her voice and align herself with a noble cause.
Some wonder why she took so long to speak up. Many millennials spent their twenties in a political lull, especially when Obama was in office. I distinctly remember a lack of political dialogue before 2016. As a Black woman surrounded by many white female friends, I noticed many of them only began engaging politically after 2016 when they felt it affected them directly. While it’s hard to say if Taylor had a similar experience, it does provide context.
The presidential election loomed right after the Kanye West incident, and Taylor expressed regret for not speaking out against Trump. She believed that her political views would have gone unnoticed at that time, and sadly, she may have been right.
One of my biggest frustrations is how her fanbase is often underestimated. A man even questioned if she would be willing to halve the attendance for her next tour due to her political stance. While this may have been a valid concern in the past, today’s fans seek to connect with their favorite celebrities’ beliefs. For Taylor’s primarily female and marginalized audience, transparency is vital. Her silence in 2016 led many to mistakenly assume she supported Trump, despite her never indicating such a position.
Taylor Swift’s political awakening galvanized countless individuals to register for the 2018 midterm elections. She even initiated a hashtag encouraging fans to share their “I Voted” selfies. This kind of influence is rare among celebrities; I proudly used the hashtag after voting for the first time in a midterm election. Unlike many others, she leverages her platform to motivate her fans to align with progressive values.
Although her preferred candidate didn’t win, she recognized her influence. She understands the struggles faced by younger generations grappling with the injustices in America. For them, she wrote “Only the Young,” a song addressing pressing issues like school shootings and lockdown drills, serving as a rallying cry and a message of solidarity.
Then there’s “You Need To Calm Down,” a bold response to detractors, complemented by a vibrant music video featuring the Fab Five from Queer Eye and prominent LGBTQIA figures. Directed by her friend Todrick Hall, the video culminates in a link to sign a petition supporting the Equality Act. Her backing of the LGBTQIA community is deeply personal, stemming from her friendship with Hall, a gay Black man. As a queer individual myself, having the support of one of my favorite artists is profoundly meaningful.
Is Taylor Swift flawless? No, but neither is anyone else. Her documentary, Miss Americana, offers an insightful glimpse into her life beyond the brand. It’s easy to forget that our cherished artists are, at their core, just people. Watching the film has deepened my appreciation for Taylor as an individual, and I’m even more excited to see her perform at Lover Fest this summer.
In summary, Miss Americana highlights Taylor Swift’s journey from a cautious artist to a politically engaged individual. Her evolution is inspiring, and she embodies the struggles and triumphs of many in her fandom. It’s a testament to the power of finding one’s voice and the importance of authenticity in the public eye.
Keyphrase: Taylor Swift documentary Miss Americana
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