I’ve been a fan of Taylor Swift since the very beginning; her music has been the backdrop to my adult life. I’ve supported her through every twist and turn in her career, so when I found out she was releasing a documentary, I was thrilled.
From the outset, Taylor (we’re practically on a first-name basis) expresses her desire for people to perceive her as “good.” She grapples with the pressure to fit into the narrow mold society often imposes on women. This theme sets the stage for everything that unfolds in the documentary.
A pivotal moment arrives when Kim Kardashian shares a video allegedly showing Swift agreeing to Kanye West calling her a “bitch” in his song “Famous.” Though Taylor insists she didn’t know he would use that term, the backlash was immediate and harsh, forcing her into a period of retreat. During this time, she experienced the personal growth that had previously eluded her.
Your late 20s can be a crucial period for development, even for someone as famous as Taylor Swift. While she stepped back, the world around her evolved, and so did she. After enduring a challenging court case related to sexual harassment, Taylor recognized she could no longer remain silent on matters that truly matter. The degrading experience in court prompted her to take a stand on political issues, a departure from her past reluctance to engage in such conversations.
It’s worth noting that Taylor’s origins lie in country music, a genre where artists are often discouraged from voicing personal beliefs. The historical backlash against women who express political opinions in this space—like the Dixie Chicks—reminds us of the risks involved. But adulthood brings a clarity where sometimes you just have to say “to hell with it” and break free from societal constraints.
At 28, Taylor began vocalizing her political beliefs despite pushback from the men in her life, including her typically supportive father. It was disheartening to witness her being belittled by older white men who resist change. Taylor understood the stakes involved, especially regarding a candidate she dubbed “Trump in a wig.”
When she encouraged her followers in Tennessee to vote Democrat, I felt an immense swell of pride. Finally, she was using her platform for the greater good.
Some might question why she waited so long to speak out. Many millennials didn’t engage with politics during most of their 20s, particularly when Obama was president and anxiety levels were lower. I remember that political conversations ramped up significantly for many around 2016, which could also apply to Taylor.
The presidential election came right on the heels of the Kanye West incident, and Taylor later expressed regret for not speaking against Trump at that time. She believed that no one would have cared about her opinions then, and sadly, she might have been right.
A significant concern is how some underestimate her fanbase. One individual even questioned if she was willing to sacrifice attendance at her next tour. While that may have been true in the past, today’s fans often want to align with the values of their favorite artists. Taylor’s followers, largely women and marginalized communities, value transparency. Her silence in 2016 led many to mistakenly assume she supported Trump, even though she never indicated that.
Swift’s political awakening sparked thousands to register to vote in the 2018 midterm elections. She even created a hashtag encouraging fans to share their “I Voted” selfies. This kind of influence is rare among celebrities. I proudly used that hashtag when I cast my vote for the first time in a midterm election. Unlike many others, Taylor is leveraging her platform to inspire her fans to stand up for what’s right.
Even though her candidate didn’t win, she understood her influence. She recognizes there are young people trying to navigate the injustices in America, leading her to write “Only the Young.” This song addresses critical issues like school shootings and the fear of an uncertain future—a rallying cry that shows her support for those struggling to make sense of it all.
Then there’s “You Need To Calm Down,” a bold response to her critics. The music video features the Fab Five from Queer Eye, drag queens, and various prominent LGBTQIA figures, creating a vibrant celebration of diversity. Her collaboration with friend Todrick Hall, a talented gay black man, highlights her commitment to the community. As a queer person myself, knowing that Taylor supports me means a lot.
Is Taylor Swift flawless? Absolutely not. But no one is. Her documentary, Miss Americana, reveals her humanity beyond the brand image. It’s a reminder that our favorite artists are people too. Watching it deepens my appreciation for Taylor as an individual and makes me even more excited to see her live this summer at Lover Fest.
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In summary, ‘Miss Americana’ showcases Taylor Swift’s journey toward authenticity, highlighting her struggles and triumphs as she embraces her voice and influences her fanbase.