Taylor Swift has plenty of songs about feminism – and her ‘f*** the patriarchy’ attitude appears to have struck a nerve with a conservative journalist.
Criticisms and Controversies
In a controversial Newsweek article titled “Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model,” the author critiques Swift, whose Eras Tour has become the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. The argument centers on Swift’s marital status, claiming she sets a poor example for young girls by being “34, unmarried and childless,” while ignoring that her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, shares the same marital status and age.
Backlash Against These Views
The op-ed has sparked significant backlash, with critics condemning the views as outdated and misogynistic. While acknowledging Swift’s talent and business acumen, the article insists her personal life makes her an unsuitable role model. This perspective has been widely criticized for echoing 1950s gender norms.
The Role Model Debate
Central to the argument is the notion that Swift’s dating history disqualifies her as a role model. The author questions whether any “loving parent” would want their daughter to emulate Swift’s relationships, which have included 12 different men over a few years. Despite recognizing her professional achievements, the article contends that young girls should aspire to a more “wholesome” romantic lifestyle.
Support for Swift as a Role Model
Supporters of Swift argue that her hard work, financial independence, and philanthropy make her a positive role model. One supporter highlighted, “Young girls do not need to aspire to marriage and children. There are worse role models than someone who evidently works hard, is financially independent, and has made huge donations to food banks.”
Defending Swift’s Supporters
The omission of any criticism towards Kelce, who is also 34 and unmarried, did not go unnoticed by readers. Many have called out the double standard, with some branding the author as an “incel misogynist coward” and expressing their outrage on social media. One user wrote, “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.”
Ghlionn’s Supporters Speak Out
Despite the backlash, some have praised the author for voicing their opinion. One supporter commented, “It is a point of view. Everyone is allowed to have one. I wouldn’t want a daughter seeking out hollow fame personally. Money and adoration of the masses tend to be cold comfort in later life.” Another remarked, “Personally, I absolutely love how triggered all the woke feminazis are by this. If there’s nothing wrong with being unmarried and childless, what are you all so angry about?”
Ghlionn’s Response
Amidst the uproar, the author has since deleted their social media account, seemingly stepping back from the controversy. As the debate continues, it underscores the ongoing societal tensions around gender roles, personal choices, and what constitutes a positive role model in today’s world.
Taylor Swift’s Dating Timeline
Swift’s love life has often been under public scrutiny, with each relationship inspiring new songs and fueling media interest. Here is a brief overview of her past boyfriends:
Joe Jonas (July 2008 – October 2008)
Swift dated Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers for a few months in 2008. Their breakup was famously swift, ending in a 27-second phone call. Swift later wrote about their relationship in songs like “Forever & Always” and “Last Kiss.”
Taylor Lautner (August 2009 – December 2009)
Swift’s relationship with actor Taylor Lautner began after they co-starred in the film “Valentine’s Day.” The couple, known as “Taylor Squared,” ended their romance amicably. The song “Back to December” is widely believed to be about Lautner.
John Mayer (December 2009 – February 2010)
Swift’s brief relationship with singer John Mayer was tumultuous. Their 12-year age difference and the fallout from their breakup inspired Swift’s scathing song “Dear John,” which details her heartbreak and Mayer’s alleged emotional manipulation.
Jake Gyllenhaal (October 2010 – January 2011)
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal and Swift’s romance was brief but intense, reportedly ending because of their age difference. The relationship inspired several songs on her “Red” album, including “All Too Well,” which vividly recounts their time together.
Conor Kennedy (July 2012 – October 2012)
Swift dated Conor Kennedy, grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, during the summer of 2012. Their relationship was marked by Swift’s frequent visits to the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port. The song “Starlight” is rumored to be about their romance.
Harry Styles (December 2012 – January 2013)
Swift’s relationship with One Direction’s Harry Styles was highly publicized. Despite their brief time together, it had a lasting impact on Swift’s music, inspiring songs like “Style” and “Out of the Woods.”
Calvin Harris (March 2015 – June 2016)
DJ and producer Calvin Harris was Swift’s longest relationship at the time. The couple often shared their love on social media, and collaborated on the hit song “This Is What You Came For,” which Swift co-wrote under a pseudonym. Their breakup was reportedly amicable, though it was followed by public disagreements over songwriting credits.
Tom Hiddleston (June 2016 – September 2016)
Swift’s whirlwind romance with British actor Tom Hiddleston, dubbed “Hiddleswift,” was highly publicized. Their relationship was marked by grand gestures and global travels, but it ended after a few months, with both citing intense media scrutiny as a contributing factor.
Joe Alwyn (September 2016 – April 2023)
Actor Joe Alwyn was Swift’s longest relationship, lasting nearly seven years. The couple kept their romance mostly private, with Alwyn co-writing several songs on Swift’s albums under the pseudonym William Bowery. Their breakup was reportedly amicable, focusing on their busy careers and personal growth.
Current Relationship: Travis Kelce
As of 2023, Swift is dating NFL star Travis Kelce. While their relationship is relatively new, it has already attracted significant media attention, adding another chapter to Swift’s high-profile romantic history. Taylor Swift’s relationships have not only influenced her music but also provided a window into her personal growth and evolving views on love and life. Despite the scrutiny, Swift remains unapologetically herself, continuing to inspire fans around the world.
10 FAQs About Taylor Swift’s Personal Life
- How old is Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, making her 34 years old. - Is Taylor Swift married?
No, Taylor Swift is not married. - Does Taylor Swift have children?
No, Taylor Swift does not have children. - Who is Taylor Swift dating currently?
As of 2023, Taylor Swift is dating NFL star Travis Kelce. - How many boyfriends has Taylor Swift had?
Taylor Swift has had 12 publicly known relationships. - What is Taylor Swift’s longest relationship?
Her longest relationship was with actor Joe Alwyn, lasting nearly seven years. - Has Taylor Swift written songs about her ex-boyfriends?
Yes, many of Taylor Swift’s songs are inspired by her past relationships. - What is Taylor Swift’s net worth?
As of 2023, Taylor Swift’s net worth is estimated to be around $740 million. - Does Taylor Swift do any philanthropic work?
Yes, Taylor Swift is known for her philanthropy, including significant donations to food banks and disaster relief efforts. - What are some of Taylor Swift’s hobbies?
Besides music, Taylor Swift enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her cats.
