Taylor Swift is not a good role model | Opinion

Taylor Swift is not only a pop icon, she is also an economic giant of epic proportions. When Taylor Swift comes to town, excitement rises and money flows. In fact, Swift is so influential that she even created a new branch of economics called “Swiftonomics.” Her current tour, the Eras Tour, has proven to be a bonanza for host cities around the world, generating hundreds of millions in revenue and creating thousands of temporary jobs.

The American singer’s sales figures are astronomical, her loyal fans, known as Swifties, buy everything to do with her brand. And I mean everything, from T-shirts to vinyl records and keychains to cell phone cases. Her endorsement deals with major brands also bring her huge sums of money. When Swift promotes a product, it doesn’t just sell, it’s a success. Ten years ago, she practically introduced Diet Coke, then an incredibly tired brand, to a new generation of consumers. Taylor Swift wields immense power.

While Swift’s impact on the economy is extremely positive, the question is whether it is having a positive impact on other areas as well. More specifically, is she a good role model for young girls in the US and elsewhere? There are numerous articles explaining why she is. I want to counter that.

Swift is the most influential celebrity in America today. Her popularity is staggering and her position as a cultural force is unquestionable.

At 34, Swift is still unmarried and childless, a fact that some may consider irrelevant to her status as a role model. However, I suggest that it is important to consider the example she sets for young girls. A role model, by definition, is someone worthy of emulation. Swift’s musical talent and business acumen are certainly admirable, even commendable, but we must ask ourselves whether we want our sisters and daughters to emulate her personal life choices. This may sound like a pearl-clutching sermon, but it is a concern based on sound reasoning.

Swift’s highly publicised love life has been a hotly debated topic for the tabloids for years. She has dated numerous high-profile men – at least a dozen – including singers Harry Styles and Joe Jonas, actor Jake Gyllenhaal and, more recently, American football player Travis Kelce. These ever-changing relationships may reflect the normal dating experiences of many young women in today’s world, but it also raises questions about stability, commitment and even love itself. Should we encourage young girls to see the “Swift standard” as the norm, as something to aspire to? Or should we encourage something, shall we say, more decent? Would any loving parent reading this want their daughter to date 12 different men in the space of a few years? This is not an attack on Swift; it is a valid question worth asking.

The superstar’s vocal criticism of the patriarchy adds another layer of complexity. Swift’s recent outcry against patriarchal structures stands in stark contrast to her personal dating choices. The singer often dates strong, influential men – celebrities who embody significant social and economic power. This can seem hypocritical. Hypocrisy fundamentally undermines the ability to be a good role model because it involves a contradiction between one’s actions and the principles or values ​​one publicly espouses. Swift is either unaware of this or doesn’t care. Neither is a good look.

With her massive global fan base (283 million followers on Instagram and 33 million TikTok followers), Swift influences young girls’ perceptions of relationships and success around the world. Her career, which includes numerous chart-topping songs and successful business ventures, is a testament to her work ethic and natural talent. However, the glamorous portrayal of her love life can convey rather offensive messages. Additionally, many of her lyrics often portray her as a victim. This may influence young women to adopt a similar perspective in their own relationships, be they romantic or otherwise. Swift is not a victim. She is the most popular musician of all time.

Swift’s numerous high-profile relationships, while private affairs, are constantly in the public eye. New romances become media hype, breakups fill the gossip columns. This cycle of short, intense relationships can inadvertently glorify a kind of romantic promiscuity in which partners can be replaced as easily as toilet paper. Although breakups can hurt both men and women, it’s the latter who tend to feel more emotional pain. Swift makes breakups look easy. In reality, however, they are messy, painful affairs.

Young girls admire Swift – I dare say they worship her. They see her as much more than just a musician. The narrative of her love life, which has been widely publicized and often sensationalized, paints a certain picture of what modern relationships should look like. This is not about moralizing, but about discussing the values ​​we want to convey to impressionable people.

While it’s true that young men need better role models, so do young women. Swift and Kelce may persevere, and I hope they do. But judging by their track records, the odds aren’t good. Swift’s talent for sparking conversations, generating engagement, and generating profits is commendable. But admiration shouldn’t follow her blindly. Her life, meticulously managed by a PR machine, is a filtered facade rather than true reality. What young girls really need, perhaps without fully realizing it, are role models who offer both authenticity and real depth, rather than artificial narratives and superficial glamour.

John Mac Ghlionn writes about social issues, technology and the impact of media manipulation. Follow him @ghliionn.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author.