Taylor Swift’s ‘F*** the Patriarchy’ Attitude Sparks Controversy with Conservative Journalist, ‘She is a Bad Role Model’, ‘Who would let someone who has changed partners dozens of times over a few years be a role model for their children?’
Taylor Swift has plenty of songs about feminism – and her ‘f*** the patriarchy’ attitude appears to have struck a nerve with a conservative journalist.
John Mac Ghlionn was slammed for his article accusing Swift – whose Eras Tour is the highest-grossing concert tour of all time – of being a bad influence on young girls.
In the Newsweek piece titled Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model, Ghilonn claimed the songstress was setting a poor example as she’s ’34,
unmarried and childless’ – failing to call out her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, for being the same.
The op-ed writer penned the piece last week to ‘offer some pushback’ on the Taylor-mania that has swept the globe – and has been swiftly ridiculed for his ‘1950s misogynistic’ views.
In his piece, he claimed despite the popstar’s ‘talent for sparking conversations, driving engagement,
and raking in profits is commendable,’ she is not a good role model for young girls.
Commenting on Swift’s past relationships, Ghilonn suggested her martial status was crucial in shaping her as a role model, citing her not being wed as almost a sole reason girls should look elsewhere for a figure to emulate.
Although he acknowledged her ‘musical talent and business acumen,’ the researcher and essayist argued that ‘instead of encouraging young girls to see the “Swift standard” as the norm,’ they should be encouraged to aim for a romantic lifestyle that was a ‘little more… wholesome.’
‘Would any loving parent reading this want their daughter to date 12 different men in the span of just a few years?’ he argued in the piece.
‘This is not an attack on Swift; it’s a valid question that is worth asking.’
Ghilionn did not comment on the fact that Swift’s boyfriend Kelce is also unmarried and 34 – which was immediately noticed by furious readers.
Branded an ‘incel misogynist coward’ by some readers, irate users took to X, previously known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.
‘What the actual f*** is this misogynistic claptrap from @Newsweek?! Taylor Swift isn’t a role model because she’s “unmarried and childless”, what the hell? Written by a man, of course, but you should be ashamed to have published this vacuous nonsense,’ one person wrote.
‘No man has ever been chastised in the media for being a “bad role model for boys” because he was “34, unmarried and childless,”‘ another commented.
Someone else wrote: ‘Young girls do not need to aspire to marriage and children. I personally have no interest in Taylor Swift but there are worse role models than someone who evidently works hard and is financially independent and also made huge donations towards food banks.’
In response to John Mac Ghlionn’s controversial article criticizing Taylor Swift, it is important to consider the impact of such harmful and outdated views on young girls. Swift’s decision to focus on her career and personal growth rather than conforming to traditional gender norms should be celebrated, not condemned.It is alarming that in the 21st century, a successful woman like Taylor Swift is still being judged based on her relationship status and whether or not she has children. Young girls should be encouraged to look up to strong, independent women who prioritize their own happiness and fulfillment, rather than being pressured to adhere to outdated societal expectations.Furthermore, the fact that Ghilionn failed to mention that Swift’s boyfriend is also unmarried and childless highlights the inherent double standards and sexism present in his argument. It is unfair to criticize Swift for choices that are perfectly acceptable for men in the same position.It is time to move away from the narrow-minded thinking that defines a woman’s worth by her marital status and motherhood status. Young girls deserve role models who inspire them to pursue their passions, regardless of their relationship status. Taylor Swift’s success as a musician and entrepreneur should be celebrated and admired, not diminished by antiquated viewpoints.Let’s empower young girls to define success on their own terms and break free from the limiting expectations placed on them by society. It’s time to embrace diversity and celebrate all paths to fulfillment and happiness, whether they include marriage and children or not.