When the average person hears the name “Taylor Swift” they might think of her music or her ongoing tour: “The Eras Tour.” Then why is the internet analyzing who Swift chooses to hug?
Swift’s show of affection at the U.S. Open on Sept 8, 2024, towards Brittany Mahomes at the US Open had many fans, who refer to themselves as “Swifties” divided. The division stems from Mahomes’ alleged support for former President Donald Trump. Swift previously denounced Trump in 2020, endorsing Biden, but had been mostly silent on political matters since beginning her world tour in March 2023. This singular interaction has led to articles, and many X users criticizing her choice to stay silent during this election cycle.
The fact that my X feed has been filled with opinions on this matter has me flabbergasted. Why do I care who a billionaire, that doesn’t even know I exist, hugs? A simple hug has people claiming that Swift is betraying her previous statements about what side of history she wants to be on. In 2020 Swift took to Instagram declaring that her vote would be going to Biden. Earlier that year, in her Netflix documentary “Miss Americana,” Swift spoke about needing to be on the “right side of history.” However, many fans have pointed out that Swift had been mostly silent on her political actions since the documentary aired.
While many fans supported Swift’s decision to remain silent, the level of backlash Swift is receiving over a hug shows just how idolized Swift is by society. Society cannot just love the music of this artist; they need confirmation that she is perfectly aligned with what they believe is socially acceptable and that she is a moral saint. Yet she is an artist, not a political advocate. Swift is facing backlash from people who believe that it is her responsibility to speak up for every issue, or else she will earn the reputation of not caring, and she must not support the policies she previously supported anymore. Society has put Swift on such a high platform, just to wait for her fall. I see this as a desperate attempt to convict Swift of any kind of wrongdoing.
I love Swift’s music. I have song lyrics tattooed on my skin; one might say she left a permanent mark on me. I go to Swift’s discography for nostalgia and relatability, not for my moral values or political vote. If you’re deciding who to vote for, watch the debates, not Swift’s body language.
Never has Swift claimed to be anything she’s not. Swift is in the entertainment industry for her music, not to be scrutinized for every decision she makes. When Swift chooses to speak on politics that is her decision. Who she chooses to keep company with is her decision. It was never her decision to become not only a political figure but the political figure everyone counts on to “save the election.”
Minutes after the Sept. 10 debate Swift “shockingly” posted her endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Waltz. People were quick to shift the focus from the content of the debate to the content of Swift’s statement. Donald Trump was asked for his opinion on the statement and gave no response. Why are we asking Donald Trump about Swift’s statement after a debate where she was not mentioned? I saw Swift’s Instagram post reposted on the very same stories that had been full of criticism of her silence just days before. Again, I beg the question, why do we care what Swift has to say more than what the presidential nominees have to say? While Swift’s statement did not address continuing her friendship with Mahomes, the public’s shift to support Swift shows that it was never about the hug. It was about society viewing Swift as a political leader. Something she is not.
The question I wish to pose to you is this: Are we, as a society not able to make our own political decisions and distinguish our moral values without the assistance of a famous billionaire? Why are we looking to Taylor Swift and not our government? And so, as I hit play on The Tortured Poets Department for the 131,313 time this year, I beg society to get off X and TikTok and figure out how you can be the call to action you are waiting for Swift to be.
