“Taylor Swift Has Infiltrated Everything”... So?
November 10, 2023
Writer: Alanna Madry
Editor: Abigail Peacock
As the most awarded artist in American Music Award history, female record holder for most Billboard Music Award wins, winner of twelve Grammy Awards and 14 MTV Awards, and more, the legendary Taylor Swift has an achievements list long enough to wrap itself around the planet. Her fame spans far beyond the 13 million albums she has sold. Rather, it is the incredible fan base she has fostered in her decades long reign on the music industry, and her commitment to producing art driven with honesty and intentionality for her fanbase and beyond. As a self-proclaimed Swiftie who had the privilege of attending her Eras Tour this summer (my surprise songs were “Hits Different” and “The Moment I Knew”), there has been a lot to keep up with in recent Taylor times.
Since her rise to fame in 2006, the media has hyperfixated on Taylor’s dating life. While she often draws song-writing inspiration from romantic relationships, there has been an overwhelming obsession with the who, what, when, and wheres of her dating habits that exceeds average celebrity scrutiny. While I find this preoccupation to be violating and oftentimes demeaning to the extraordinary depth of Taylor Swift’s talent, I still find myself jumping to Google every detail I can when a rumor surfaces suggesting a budding relationship for the artist-bringing us to the next topic of discussion: Travis Kelce.
Since her appearance at a Kansas City Chiefs game on September 24th, the internet has been abuzz with all things Taylor and Travis. With that, there has been a notable amount of negative media complaining about how much air space is being taken up by people discussing the stunning duo. Even Kelly Clarkson complained on The Kelly Clarkson Show recently, “It's not hilarious how it is literally taking over the NFL for people that like watching sports now,” she continued, “It's like you're watching Housewives.” Similarly, political commentator Tomi Lahren wrote, "The wall-to-wall coverage of Taylor Swift at this game is annoying AF," in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). "I don't even like football and I agree it's destroying football. Just enough." In my opinion comments like this in general, especially coming from other women (not to mention one who is also a singer), are deeply disheartening and dramatic for occasional shots of the international pop-star at the game.
Taylor Swift’s 2017 album, Reputation, was a passionate response to the years of media torture she had received in her career to that point. It's overflowing with some of my favorite songs when I want to channel my bad-ass energy, or even release a bit of feminine rage. This album additionally is a clear example to point at when discussing strong-willed Swift’s stance against the male gaze and its grasp on young women. It’s no secret that the artist's fan base is primarily made up of women, and albums as daring as Reputation have a noticeable effect on deterring men from connecting with some of her music.
With the record-breaking Eras Tour and her new hit movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, the recent romance with Travis Kelce is the final detail needed to ensure the icon is as present in the media as possible. While politically active Swift is accustomed to being in the media frequently, attending regular football games has exposed her to a new niche: football fans. And many people have expressed disdain for Swift being so present to those outside of her fanbase. This stratosphere of people can normally tune out the devoted commentary that comes from fans like me; however, it becomes harder to do so when the discussion comes from their own. The call is coming from inside the house!
The overwhelming anger that has come towards beauty icon Taylor Swift in the past year with her NFL romance, world tour, and recent movie exemplifies many people’s disdain for her astronomical level of success-both career-wise and personal. But why? Is it her rejection of the male gaze through albums and behaviors that push against that system? Or perhaps the feeling that her success threatens that of famous men in a powerful way? Maybe more so a combination of all of these theories. Regardless of your music preferences, her success should be celebrated because one woman's success encourages greatness for all other women (and a 400% spike in sales of her new boyfriend’s jersey).
