Taylor Swift Didn’t Go To the Women’s March | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Taylor Swift Didn’t Go To the Women’s March

And why that’s a problem.

11
Taylor Swift Didn’t Go To the Women’s March
Pinterest

Months ago, after the Pulse massacre in Orlando, I questioned whether or not celebrities have an obligation to use their platforms towards political ends. In the end, I decided that celebrities did have an obligation.

Throughout the election, Taylor Swift remained largely silent. (She was silent during the Orlando massacre, but who’s keeping track?). Keeping silent during the election is not a crime—many celebrities did not say either way who they were supporting. Others were extremely vocal about it.

Taylor did not attend the Jan. 21 Women’s March, choosing instead to give a single Tweet about it. I’m sure that there are thousands of reasons why she didn’t go to the march. Some could be legitimate—she’s a massive star and might have had a previous obligation. She might have been sick. However, there are equally strong reasons why she could’ve gone. She’s not on tour because she hasn’t had an album out since 2014. She could’ve taken Emergen-C.

But perhaps the strongest reason why Taylor Swift should’ve gone to the Women’s March is that she has rebuilt her entire brand on the back of feminism. From her girl-squad to her own words about feminism, Taylor Swift tied herself to feminism. It’s how she kept herself relevant.

So for someone who made money off feminism—which she did, through music videos and appearances and clicks—to not support the Women’s March beyond a paltry tweet shows that to her, it was always about the money and the aesthetics.

Some of us do not get to choose when we are affected by politics. As an out, queer journalist, my existence has been delegitimized and stigmatized and questioned forever. For me, the Women’s March is an attempt to stand in solidarity with my sisters, my mother, my friends, and to show that the people targeted by Donald Trump and his presidency will not go gently into the night. We will fight.

Feminism is a brand intrinsically tied to the political. So when Taylor Swift labeled herself a feminist, she bought into the politics of it all. So for her to not be political now, when so much is at stake, proves that she wanted the look and benefits of appearing as a feminism without putting in any of the work.

No, she’s not obligated to do anything—this is America. But she owed something to her fans, to her critics, to the world—when she took our money under the pretense of lifting women up and standing for women’s rights, she entered into an agreement with her audience. That she would stand for women, and stand up for them. That she wasn’t able to do that is sickening, saddening and disheartening. Because it proves where her heart was the whole time.

And it wasn’t with us.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2663
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17151
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments