One of the most glaring critiques of Taylor Swift’s new 2025 album, The Life of A Showgirl, is not based on what she has done, but rather, what she hasn’t.
Ironically, Gracie Abrams and several other artists within Swift’s circle have spoken up about Palestine. I know Olivia Rodrigo’s not really a part of that anymore, but as I mentioned, she spoke up against ICE.
Apparently Swift’s new Eras Tour docuseries mentions Israel in a positive light five or so minutes in. It doesn’t help her case at all.
She can either speak up, or fandoms will continue grasping at whatever makes sense (in this case, that she’s a Zionist).
Apparently, Israel is mentioned only 5-10 minutes or so into the new Eras Tour documentary, as a "country" where fans are coming from. This is not a good look for Swift, as any depiction of this "country" in a positive light is essentially Zionist propaganda.
I do however, have a huge beef with celebrity culture in general. Celebrity culture puts people on a pedestal above others. It gives people godly influence - the words she says have more meaning than the words I say.
Look at ye. Look at tila tequila. Caitlyn jenner. Did celebrity culture turn them all into alt right? Note: ALL would be persecuted by white supremacy normally.
Definitely. The issue is that that’s not changing anytime soon, which is precisely why celebrities with influence like Swift are called to speak on current events. The fact that she’s done it before back in 2017 but is actively choosing silence now simply makes it worse.
My kids went to school with her. Knowing her and how she was raised I believe she is not evil hearted but those who want to twist some of her words are.
For context, I’ve been a fan of her for years, but her silence on matters like ICE and Palestine is impossible to ignore. And as someone who studies the pop industry and political science, I’m well aware that she doesn’t even have to draft a statement herself. Her publicist, Tree Paine, could easily type something up—provided that Swift has likely voiced her thoughts privately—and released with her permission.
What I’ve attempted to do in this article was break down the criticism—where it makes sense, and where it doesn’t. I will say this explicitly: I believe the ideas surrounding lyrical dog whistles are a stretch. But writing innocent lyrics does not equate to them being received well, especially in a highly turbulent political climate. Reception is arguably more important than intent.
I don’t blame her for not speaking out in this climate. Death threats, the vile hate…. She has in the past, shown who she is, and if you watch the doc Miss Americana, you know where she stands. She was speaking out when a lot of others, weren’t. It’s not like she hasn’t ever said it out loud.
Oh for sure, and I mentioned Miss Americana in the article. The “issue,” for most, seems to be a mixture of multiple—when her/her team doesn’t comment on misinterpreted lyrics, stand against the use of her music in American DHS propaganda, etc. it’s difficult for many to defend her.
As I wrote, Olivia Rodrigo commented and had her music removed from a White House/DHS post immediately, whereas Swift has had three or more posts with “The Fate of Ophelia” with radio silence.
“Artists, in this day and age, are no longer simply entertainers. There is a cultural expectation for public moral posture”
I don’t know what to do for artist to understand this, and then act accordingly
Thanks for engaging!
Ironically, Gracie Abrams and several other artists within Swift’s circle have spoken up about Palestine. I know Olivia Rodrigo’s not really a part of that anymore, but as I mentioned, she spoke up against ICE.
Apparently Swift’s new Eras Tour docuseries mentions Israel in a positive light five or so minutes in. It doesn’t help her case at all.
She can either speak up, or fandoms will continue grasping at whatever makes sense (in this case, that she’s a Zionist).
Apparently, Israel is mentioned only 5-10 minutes or so into the new Eras Tour documentary, as a "country" where fans are coming from. This is not a good look for Swift, as any depiction of this "country" in a positive light is essentially Zionist propaganda.
I have no beef with Taylor Swift.
I do however, have a huge beef with celebrity culture in general. Celebrity culture puts people on a pedestal above others. It gives people godly influence - the words she says have more meaning than the words I say.
Look at ye. Look at tila tequila. Caitlyn jenner. Did celebrity culture turn them all into alt right? Note: ALL would be persecuted by white supremacy normally.
Definitely. The issue is that that’s not changing anytime soon, which is precisely why celebrities with influence like Swift are called to speak on current events. The fact that she’s done it before back in 2017 but is actively choosing silence now simply makes it worse.
My kids went to school with her. Knowing her and how she was raised I believe she is not evil hearted but those who want to twist some of her words are.
For context, I’ve been a fan of her for years, but her silence on matters like ICE and Palestine is impossible to ignore. And as someone who studies the pop industry and political science, I’m well aware that she doesn’t even have to draft a statement herself. Her publicist, Tree Paine, could easily type something up—provided that Swift has likely voiced her thoughts privately—and released with her permission.
What I’ve attempted to do in this article was break down the criticism—where it makes sense, and where it doesn’t. I will say this explicitly: I believe the ideas surrounding lyrical dog whistles are a stretch. But writing innocent lyrics does not equate to them being received well, especially in a highly turbulent political climate. Reception is arguably more important than intent.
I don’t blame her for not speaking out in this climate. Death threats, the vile hate…. She has in the past, shown who she is, and if you watch the doc Miss Americana, you know where she stands. She was speaking out when a lot of others, weren’t. It’s not like she hasn’t ever said it out loud.
Oh for sure, and I mentioned Miss Americana in the article. The “issue,” for most, seems to be a mixture of multiple—when her/her team doesn’t comment on misinterpreted lyrics, stand against the use of her music in American DHS propaganda, etc. it’s difficult for many to defend her.
As I wrote, Olivia Rodrigo commented and had her music removed from a White House/DHS post immediately, whereas Swift has had three or more posts with “The Fate of Ophelia” with radio silence.
Yes I can see where you would question this.
I’m going to keep the faith that she has a reason, and trust her instincts.
I hope she’ll make a statement also.