Let’s get one thing straight:
Taylor Swift is NOT responsible for creating art that matches your spiritual beliefs, being an example for your children (newsflash, that’s YOUR job), or living her love life according to ridiculous societal expectations or values.
The criticism toward Taylor from individuals plagued by toxic masculinity, threatened by a woman’s power and success, or those with strict, extremist religious beliefs, labeling her music as “inappropriate” for younger audiences or against “spiritual salvation”, is completely ridiculous.
Taylor Swift is a 34 year old woman. An ADULT. She creates her music from a her personal adult experiences….love, loss, joy, pain. Her work reflects the human condition in all its complexity. Some of it is intended for an audience who is mature enough to grasp its depth and the emotions from it.
It’s absurd to expect that her music, that is created from the complications of her adult life, should cater to children or serve as a guide to “spiritual enlightenment”. Her art is meant for those who can appreciate the emotional depth, not as “easy listening” for little ears. The responsibility to make appropriate content for children rests solely on the parents, NOT on the shoulders of a celebrity.
It’s also not her job to confine her creative expression within the walls of anyone’s religious beliefs or their moral standards. Suggesting she should water down her authenticity to avoid offending certain views is asinine. If her art doesn’t align with your values, the solution is simple: DO NOT LISTEN.
We live in an incredibly diverse world, where opinions on profanity, values, and morality vary. Taylor Swift’s job isn’t suppose to be navigating our souls to salvation. She isn’t over here making worship music and doesn’t claim to be. Her music is a reflection of her personal truth and artistic integrity. Either engage, empathize, or simply move on. It’s not hard.
Then there are these absurd accusations against her, from being a “devil worshipper” to “coming after your children.” These are baseless and paint a ridiculous picture of fear toward a successful woman who is simply expressing herself. These nonsense claims, coming from hysteria, not only lack proper evidence, but also attempt to shame and slander an artist simply for her self expression. Just because a minority spews out these ideas, doesn’t mean the rest of us buy into them. I know I don’t.
Art is subjective, music is subjective. And hers is rich in personal AND creative exploration. It doesn’t have to resonate with everyone. Disagreement with her lyrics is NO grounds to label her as “satanic” or dangerous to children. These extreme accusations only make YOU look crazy and discredit you.
All of this uproar and anger reflects a fear of the unfamiliar or misunderstood….typically resulting in harsh criticism rather than an open discussion or merely distancing yourself. Not every piece of art is for every audience, and that’s perfectly fine. However, demonizing an artist for their work is unreasonable and reveals more about the accusers insecurities, than it does about the artist’s intentions.
And it’s making you look ridiculous.
– © Olivia Johnson
Your favorite Neighborhood Swiftie
