Taylor Swift Ruins Feminism & Politics? | Free Speech Club

TaraElla: Welcome to the College Free Speech Club, where everyone can voice their opinions, no matter how unpopular.

Ashley: I'm sorry Swifties, but I really don't like the new, politicized Taylor Swift. She is contributing to political stupidity and political polarization.

TaraElla: What do you mean?

Ashley: She is contributing to the oversimplification of everything. She says a lot of political things, but none have any depth to them. Dumbing down complex issues is dangerous, because it hampers in-depth discussion and leads to misunderstanding and polarization. I mean, if she's not smart or brave enough to say more, maybe she should stop commenting on politics. At least that wouldn't be so harmful.

Allison: I don't see what the problem is. Taylor is a musician, so who cares about her political opinions?

TaraElla: Well, truth to be told, lots of people probably care. It's called celebrity culture.

Ashley: And some copy her too. That's the problem. She's promoting shallow politics, where she says she identifies with certain causes, while neither detailing her stance, nor dealing with those who take a different stance. Everything is just superficial identification, there's no discussion or debate. For example, Taylor says she's a feminist, but what kind of feminist is she? And how would she respond to critics of feminism?

TaraElla: Well, we at least know that she is not the 'gender critical' kind, because she likes trans people. But I guess someone should at least ask Taylor about her opinion on The Red Pill.

Allison: But what's so important about knowing her stance on these matters?

Ashley: I guess it's not her stance that's important, but rather, to encourage a healthy, in-depth discussion on complex matters like these. Feminism isn't a brand; there are different varieties of feminism out there, besides criticism of feminism isn't necessarily wrong either. Trotting out the feminist identity without dealing with these questions is superficial at best and evasive at worst. I think if we want a healthier marketplace of ideas, we should demand more of celebrities who participate in political discussions.

TaraElla: I guess this could be because she's relatively inexperienced about politics. I think it applies to her advocacy on the Equality Act too. Like she encourages people to sign her petition. But she has never really effectively answered to the opposition to LGBT rights. She's never taken time to debate the opposition, or discuss their concerns. You know, to achieve consensus and change requires hard work, and just shouting you support something wouldn't in itself change anything.

Perhaps given time she will mature. I think we just need to give her more time. And perhaps some gentle reminders of her current shortcomings. And lots of encouragement too.