"Miss Americana" : A Changed (& Very Political) Taylor Swift

It was spring when I landed in Midway Airport by myself, for the first time.

“Welcome to New York” blasted from my earbuds. Of course, Chicago isn’t New York. But, for the first time in my life, I was living alone in a big city. And Taylor Swift’s lyrics exemplified the pride and happiness that accompanied such a realization.

And while walking through the airport listening to 1989 is one of my most vivid memories of listening to her music, Taylor Swift has provided an important soundtrack to many events in my life. Whenever I came home from a difficult day of eighth grade or freshman year, I listened to “Mean,” to remind myself that someday I was going to be “living in a big’ol city.” Throughout high school, I listened to “Bad Blood” and “Look What you Made me Do” and “Mine.” I laughed with Taylor Swift as I listened to “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” And when I graduated from high school, I wrote my mom a thank you letter. I wanted to thank my mom for always treating me as both an equal and a friend; she always listened to me, from discussing my school day on the drive home, to reading every draft of my writing. And yet, the “right” phrasing of gratitude eluded me. And so, I turned to Taylor Swift’s lyrics, as I had done so many times before - because the lyrics of “The Best Day” just got it right. And I knew that, as I searched for the right words, Taylor Swift had them. And to this day, my Taylor Swift playlist is titled “Words,” because they have always been my favorite part of her music.

Taylor Swift performing, during her 1989 World Tour.

I have never been the type of person who follows the lives of celebrities closely. I don’t read People Magazine. I don’t follow the Kardashians on Instagram. I know absolutely nothing about the latest celebrity breakup. But, I always listen when the news is about Taylor Swift. I stay up until midnight for her album and music video releases. I celebrated my 16th birthday at her 1989 concert and I rushed to Target, to purchase both versions of her Reputation magazine. And I was always proud that I could support her work, even in my own small way. In short, Taylor Swift has been one of my strongest role models. She and her lyrics have been there, throughout my life - as an example of what it means to be strong without apology, of what it means to be eloquent and poised but also compassionate.

And so, when she shared her political beliefs for the first time, I supported her. I didn't agree with everything she said. I didn’t support the same candidates as her or vote for the same political party, but I respected and admired her voice. And I would never want to silence that voice.

“She and her lyrics have been there, throughout my life - as an example of what it means to be strong without apology, of what it means to be eloquent and poised but also compassionate. And so, when she shared her political beliefs for the first time, I supported her. ”

However, I have become increasingly saddened by her failure to facilitate civility. I hoped that she would act as a much-needed voice of compassion in the political realm. And yet, there is nothing compassionate about Taylor Swift liking a Tumblr meme of herself kicking Republicans. And while Democratic fans will argue that it was one like, that single like is nonetheless significant. The Taylor Swift who I thought I knew - the one who sued for only $1, who stood with poise when Kanye took the microphone from her, and who always made time for her family and friends - was not the type of person who would ever, even jokingly, contribute to the vitriol and hatred of current American politics.

And Taylor Swift’s first political comments are especially timely and impactful, given the tension of the current American political system. No doubt, this is her point: as she discusses politics in Miss Americana, she clearly cares deeply about the beliefs she professes. She means what she says. And her efforts to support the gay community, to encourage strong women, and to spread inclusivity should be applauded. America needs more voices of unity and encouragement, right now. However, the problem is that the new, politically vocal Taylor Swift is inclusive and supportive, only insofar as her fans agree with her politics - i.e., only insofar as they too are card-carrying Democrats. 

“However, the problem is that the new, politically vocal Taylor Swift is inclusive and supportive, only insofar as her fans agree with her politics - i.e., only insofar as they too are card-carrying Democrats. ”

And by dismissing and critiquing all Republicans, Taylor Swift not only fails to recognize the many strong Republicans actively working to improve America, but she also encourages the current climate of hateful political rhetoric. After all, as politics become increasingly emotional for Americans, there’s a frightening tendency for individuals to view their political opponents, not just as people with different policy solutions, but as immoral, despicable enemies. We now live in a country where liberals are wrongly mocked as “pampered, latte-drinking snowflakes” and conservatives are erroneously dismissed and silenced as “uninformed, deplorable, bigots and racists.” And the problem is that both sides talk past one another. And there is no room for progress in a country so divided. If Americans can’t unite over their similarities and shared interests, then they have no hope of reaching solutions that work for the entire country. 

Taylor Swift speaks in the Miss Americana trailer.

And angry political lamentations or spur-of-the-moment political tweets by celebrities don’t inspire thoughtful bills in Congress, nor do they facilitate introspection or encourage civility. On the contrary, American politics have become extraordinarily uncivil, while pop culture has increasingly become an echo chamber. 

As such, when Taylor Swift entered the world of politics, she possessed - and still possesses - an extraordinary opportunity to act as a voice of reason and nuance.  I hoped that she would acknowledge the complexities of modern American politics. And more than that, I hoped that she would learn from her own experiences, suffering from the critiques and whims of the masses. Her Reputation album, and her “Blank Space” music video, were both highly intelligent, humorous responses to the critiques of her naysayers. Rather than descend to hatred when she was mocked and dismissed, Taylor Swift has built a record-shattering career by rising above the animosity. And she of all people should know how painful it is to be dismissed beneath a label. 

I therefore hoped that she would work hard, not to dismiss all Republicans or all Trump Supporters, but to carefully highlight the policies she cares about, and to conscientiously advocate for the reforms she supports. In other words, I hoped and expected that she would be careful not to malign or dismiss an entire political party - especially when that population contains many of her most avid fans (just as the Democratic Party also contains many of her biggest supporters).

The point here is that people enjoy Taylor Swift’s music, regardless of their political beliefs. And she built a platform, undefined by political affiliations. By singing about mean girls and awful breakups and new beginnings, Taylor Swift has always appealed to the most vulnerable, human characteristics of her fans. Democrats and Republicans alike have shouted the lyrics to “You Belong with Me” in their cars. Fans from across the country have cried listening to “I Almost Do.” And during an election year when America is sure to be even more divided than during the midterms, we don’t need more anger. And so I found myself disappointed by her Miss Americana documentary. There are many positive aspects of the film; Taylor Swift bravely discusses her eating disorder, her family, and her need to escape the limelight. And she still speaks with her characteristic eloquence. The difference is that her enemies, and her inspiration for her latest song, “Only the Young,” are no longer ex-boyfriends. They are Republicans. And her critiques of Republicans are less rooted in policy analysis than they are in emotion. 

“By singing about mean girls and awful breakups and new beginnings, Taylor Swift has always appealed to the most vulnerable, human characteristics of her fans. Democrats and Republicans alike have shouted the lyrics to “You Belong with Me”...”

And I find this new, political rhetoric saddening. Taylor Swift absolutely has the right to speak freely, and she should. But, she should also remember that her words matter; they matter to fans like me, who have looked up to her, throughout their lives. Her words matter to Republicans and Democrats alike. And, she is right to acknowledge her platform; she possesses the ability to change things. But, as she continues to fight for what she believes, I hope that she remembers her Republican fans. I hope that she remembers that we too cheered for her, during her 1989 tour. I hope she remembers that we rushed to Target to buy her new releases, that we got in arguments defending her transition from country to pop, and that we too shout the lyrics to her Lover album.

And I hope she knows that we don’t need more anger from celebrities who possess the power to unite America. 

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