Jonathan Wier: Taylor Swift Is Exactly the Kind of Role-Model Girls Need
I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m going to write an article defending Taylor Swift. Not that she needs me, or anyone, to defend her. Heck, usually I think celebrities…
Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023 in Swift City, ERAzona (Glendale, Arizona). The city of Glendale, Arizona was ceremonially renamed to Swift City for March 17-18 in honor of The Eras Tour.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm going to write an article defending Taylor Swift. Not that she needs me, or anyone, to defend her. Heck, usually I think celebrities are fair game for criticism because that's the trade off for being rich and famous. But I was so annoyed by this article in Newsweek by John Mac Ghlionn that I had to get my thoughts out. In his opinion piece Mac Ghlionn argues Swift is not a suitable role model for young women. I'm going to counter that and say that Taylor Swift is a great role-model for girls for one simple reason.
His Criticism
Mac Ghlionn's criticisms begin with Swift's personal life. At 34, she is unmarried and childless, which, according to the writer, sets a questionable example. He asks, "We must ask if her personal life choices are ones we want our sisters and daughters to emulate." Ok, I know this might sound crazy but 34 isn't old. It's not even middle aged. Is he suggesting that any woman past the age of 33 is an old maid? And if so what Charles Dickens novel did he step out of? Women can still have babies as old as the age of 50. And if you're rich probably even older.
Mac Ghlionn also highlights Swift's "revolving door of relationships," suggesting that her dating history is problematic. He questions, "Would any loving parent reading this want their daughter to date 12 different men in the span of just a few years?" Dang it, I had to actually google this! But Taylor has actually had 12 exes. Which may seem like a lot if you believe that it's been 12 in a few years. But in fact it's been 12 exes since 2008. That's 12 in 16 years. Which means less than one a year. THE SCANDAL!
Another major criticism is the perceived hypocrisy in Swift's feminist stance. Mac Ghlionn points out that she often dates "strong, influential men," suggesting a contradiction in her attacks on the patriarchy. He writes, "Swift either doesn't realize this [hypocrisy] or doesn't care. Neither of the two is a good look." Ok where do I start with this. Yes she dates influential men. Usually famous guys. That's because when you are the most famous woman on the planet you can't exactly go on Tinder or Plenty Of Fish to meet dudes. Usually you meet guys who also run in similar circles. Also how is dating a strong and influential man an affront to feminist values? If anything a strong woman should seek out strong men.
I Am Not A Swiftie
Look, I'm no Swiftie. In fact less than a week ago I wrote an article detailing how insane Swifties can be in their need to constantly defend Taylor from the likes of mean ol men like Dave Grohl. And while I'm doing that now it's in service to a broader point. Women like Taylor Swift are an affront to a guy like Mac Ghlionn simply by being successful. Successful men don't have to worry about the same criticisms he's levying here. "Unmarried at 34? Who cares? Get a trophy wife when you're 60!" "You date a lot of women? Of course you do you dog!"
But here's the point I want to make besides how blatantly sexist and hypocrtical this dude is. Taylor Swift simply by existing on her own terms annoys this guy. Which is why I think she's a perfect role-model for young women. Consider that your job and duty ladies. Go out there and annoy the crap out of stodgy old guys, even if they are sometimes me.
We have it coming.
Taylor Swift VS Dave Grohl? 10 Actual Examples of Bad Blood Between Musicians
If this is a feud what was Biggie and Tupac?
Dave Grohl and Taylor Swift are reportedly feuding after Grohl made a mild jab at pop stars during a Foo Fighters concert. Is this really a feud or just an overblown reaction?
During a Foo Fighters show in London, Dave Grohl mentioned Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and joked that the Foo Fighters should call their tour the "Errors Tour." This remark was met with boos from the audience, and Grohl quickly added, "You don't want to suffer the wrath of Taylor Swift." Grohl went on to say, "We've had more than a few eras, and more than a few f---ing errors as well," before adding, "That's because we actually play live."
Taylor Swift responded at her Wembley show, emphasizing that her band plays live and expressing gratitude for her crew and fellow performers. Grohl has previously praised Swift, but this incident has sparked media speculation and fan reactions. Some of it may be fueled by his daughter Violet being cyber-bullied by Swifties after Violet criticized Taylor's private jet use.
Is This Really a Feud?
There is no feud at all. Dave was just taking an INCREDIBLY mild shot at pop stars who sing to backup tracks. Big deal? What is he going to have his head on the Swiftie chopping block because he made fun of costume changes? If he refrences ponytails will Ariana Grande's fans be after him? If he refrences his own DUI from the 90s will Timberflakes be chasing him down? Get over it. You're allowed to take pot shots at people you admire. Hell it's a sign of friendship to be able to make fun of your peers.
Here's a list of REAL musician fueds
John And Paul
Who broke up The Beatles? Who was the better musician? The answer to both is the same person (not the one who married Yoko).
Jack White VS The Black Keys
Jack White and The Black Keys got into a feud because Jack was tired of being compared to them. They've since made amends but not before the lead singer of the black keys accused White of trying to assault him at a bar in Manhattan.
The Eagles vs The Eagles
The Eagles' feud between Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey peaked during the 1976 sessions for "Hotel California" when Felder was denied the opportunity to sing his song "Victim of Love," leading to deep resentment. Tensions escalated during their 1980 Long Beach Arena benefit concert, culminating in onstage threats between Felder and Frey. After reuniting for the successful "Hell Freezes Over" tour in 1994, Felder was fired in 2001 due to disputes over revenue sharing, sparking a series of lawsuits. Although the legal battles were settled, the rift never healed, and Felder expressed regret over their unresolved conflict following Frey's death in 2016.
Elton John Vs Keith Richards (Not pictured but Spears did a cover of Satisfaction)
Keith Richards and Elton John's feud began in 1988 when Richards called John a "posing" performer. The tension escalated in 1997 when Richards criticized John's tribute song "Candle in the Wind 1997" and his theatrical style. John retaliated by calling Richards "pathetic" and an "a***hole," and mocked Richards' stage presence. The two reconciled in September 2015 when Ronnie Wood facilitated a truce, allowing them to pose for a photo together at the GQ Awards. (Obviously not this picture)
Kid Rock vs Tommy Lee
Kid Rock and Tommy Lee's feud centers around their mutual relationship with Pamela Anderson. Anderson and Lee, who married in 1995 and divorced in 1998, had two children, while Anderson had an on-and-off relationship with Kid Rock, marrying him in 2006 and divorcing later that year. Tensions escalated when Lee harassed Kid Rock over the phone, leading to a physical altercation at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Lee later mocked Rock as "Kid Pebble," while Rock justified the fight as inevitable due to ongoing hostility.
Michael Jackson vs Prince
Prince and Michael Jackson's rivalry began in the 1980s when Jackson's "Thriller" outshined Prince's "1999," prompting Prince to respond with the success of "Purple Rain." Their competition extended beyond music, including tense Ping-Pong matches and basketball games. Prince declined to participate in Jackson's "We Are the World" and turned down a duet offer for "Bad." An attempt to reconcile in 2006 failed when Prince played a provocative slap-bass solo in Jackson's face during a concert, leading Jackson to complain about Prince's antagonistic behavior. "Why was Prince playing the bass in my face? Prince, he’s always been a meanie.”
Nirvana vs Guns N Roses
The feud between Guns N' Roses and Nirvana began when Kurt Cobain publicly criticized GNR, despite Axl Rose's initial admiration for Nirvana. Rose retaliated with insults during concerts and at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, where a tense backstage encounter occurred between Rose, Cobain, and Courtney Love. The animosity continued with onstage taunts from both bands, including Grohl mocking Rose during a performance. The feud ended after Cobain's suicide in 1994, with subsequent gestures of reconciliation, such as Duff McKagan's apology and Grohl lending Rose a guitar throne during GNR's 2016 tour.
Whitney Houston vs Mariah Carey
The rivalry between Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston was largely fueled by media comparisons in the early 1990s, as Carey's debut outperformed Houston's album. The tension seemed real when Houston dismissively remarked, "I don't think of her," in a 1990 interview. Despite occasional icy comments, they publicly reconciled when they recorded "When You Believe" for the 1998 film "The Prince of Egypt," even poking fun at their supposed feud at the MTV Video Music Awards. After Houston's death in 2012, Carey expressed deep sadness and highlighted their eventual friendship.
Elton John vs Madonna (Madonna doesn't show up on film since 1997)
Madonna and Elton John's feud began in 2002 when John criticized Madonna's Bond theme "Die Another Day." The conflict escalated in 2004 when John accused her of lip-syncing during live performances and suggested she should be shot for it. Tensions flared again in 2012 when John's husband, David Furnish, criticized Madonna's Golden Globe win, and John himself called her tour a disaster and made derogatory comments about her appearance. The feud ended later in 2012 when John apologized and Madonna graciously accepted, leading to a reconciliation.
Taylor Swift vs Katy Perry
Katy Perry and Taylor Swift's feud began in 2014 when Swift's song "Bad Blood" was revealed to be about Perry allegedly stealing backup dancers from Swift's tour. Perry responded to the accusations with a tweet comparing Swift to "Regina George in sheep’s clothing." The tension simmered with occasional jabs until Perry's 2017 song "Swish Swish" took direct aim at Swift. Although Perry attempted to make amends publicly, Swift escalated the feud with her song "Look What You Made Me Do" and its music video, which included several references to Perry.
