First off, congrats to Taylor Swift on being named Time’s Person of the Year. Very well-deserved.
She’s a Fearless Leader
Not only is she one of the most successful and influential artists of our time, she has also used her platform to speak out on issues that matter. From her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights to her political activism to her general goodness. You can always tell a lot about a person by how they treat their employees and others. You don’t hear stories about her berating a server or yelling at paparazzi (though warranted). She’s just pure goodness.
But what’s even more satisfying than Taylor Swift’s achievements is the reaction of misogynists who can’t handle a successful woman. Whether it’s the vitriol from online trolls or the snarky comments from radio hosts, the response to Taylor Swift’s success is a reflection of a deep-seated misogyny that still exists in our society. We find such joy in making anti-feminist men uncomfortable, and nothing makes them squirm more than a strong woman being recognized and celebrated.
Let’s start with the obvious – Taylor Swift is an incredibly talented artist. From her early days as a country singer to her evolution into a pop superstar, she has consistently produced hit after hit. She has shown herself to be an unparalleled songwriter and performer, which is why she has become such an icon in the music industry.
All the Wisest Women
But there’s SOOO MUCH more to Taylor Swift than just her music. She has shown herself to be a fierce advocate for social justice and equality. She has spoken out against sexual assault and advocated for victims’ rights. She has publicly supported the LGBTQIA+ community, even going so far as to write an open letter to her senator in support of the Equality Act. And she has used her platform to encourage her fans to vote, supporting Democratic candidates and registering thousands of young voters.
All of these actions are commendable, demonstrating that Taylor Swift is not just an artist but a force for good in our society. And yet, despite all of her accomplishments, there are still those who seek to tear her down simply because she is a woman in a male-dominated industry.
It’s no secret that misogyny is alive and well in our culture. From the sexist lyrics of certain male artists to the online harassment that women face every day, it’s clear that women are not always treated equally. And when a woman like Taylor Swift achieves massive success, it becomes even more apparent that some men just can’t handle it.
The response to Taylor Swift’s success reflects this deep-seated misogyny. The fact that some people can’t seem to handle a strong, successful, and independent woman is telling. And yet, even in the face of this criticism, Taylor Swift has refused to back down or apologize for her success.
When we see men who can’t stand the fact that a woman is succeeding, we know that we’re on the right side of progress. We know that we’re part of a movement that is pushing for true equality, and we can take some (a lot) joy in the fact that we’re making a difference.
T Swift has taken on these tiny, tiny men without apology, showing the world that a woman’s success is something to be celebrated, not vilified. We also love that she called out bullies like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West and she put the trash at the curb where it belongs.
We take comfort in the fact that strong, successful women like Taylor Swift are leading the charge. And every time a misogynist squirms in response to her success, we know that we’re on the right path towards a more just and equal world.
