I am not the greatest advocate for gender equality. I would not consider myself a dedicated supporter of the LGBT community. I am, however, an avid "Swiftie," and, regrettably, a very disappointed one, for her disservice to anyone who has ever struggled with the vicious nature of gender roles.
Remember when we all threw our popcorn at the TV that one time when Kanye ruined Taylor's first VMA acceptance? Here's a painful reminder, in case the sting has worn off.
Remember the next year when she came back and humbled an entire audience by performing "Innocent" in response to Kanye? Her forgiveness and grace shocked us all, and for some, made us fall truly in love with her. As if she weren't already an amazing role model for girls growing up in consistent battles with the "cool kids," this moment made the world realize that her success had not tainted her humanity and selflessness. Here's another reminder, for good measure.
She continued in her awesomeness by twisting her Video Vanguard presentation to Kanye to make light of their incident in 2009.
She continued her awesomeness by twisting her Video Vanguard presentation to Kanye to make light of their incident in 2009. She boasted Kanye's successes, and closed her speech with, "So I guess I have to say to all the other winners tonight: I’m really happy for you, and I’mma let you finish, but Kanye West has had one of the greatest careers of all time!"
Taylor has continued to rise to the top of the Hollywood totem pole, and with good reason. She continues to impress even those who are not fans of her music, simply because she is a level-headed star with a booming reputation and continual credibility. She came out of nothing as a teeny-bopper country star and became the profile of elegance. Taylor Swift is who many girls wish to be. She is confident (even in her God-awful dance moves), giving (have you ever seen her surprise Christmas gift project?) and a role model to so many of us who are just trying to find our purpose in this world.
For the first time since middle school, I am so not proud to be a fan of hers. In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Swift announced, "I know there's been a lot of discussion over this video and what it means, but I'm just happy that in 2015, we live in a world where boys can play princesses and girls can play soldiers."
I'm sorry, Taylor, but ... what? I understand the intent behind your words, but they sounded more like a prepared publicity statement than encouragement for those who truly struggle with gender identity and bullying. You cannot expect us to celebrate something your PR team said would be the perfect declaration abolishing gender roles. In fact, that statement wasn't even supportive of the LGBT cause. There is no comparison between a boy who is shoved into his locker for crushing on Adam Levine and you, producing a star-studded, over-the-top music video featuring your clique as the definition of "badass."
This Washington "Post" article accurately describes the true intent of the video: "Swift is letting everyone know that she has the access, status and power to land a slew of top celebrities who will drop everything to do her a favor — not to mention appear in a video that requires some of them to dress up in leather outfits and throw weapons." This video was, at best, her plot for vengeance against Katy Perry in their falling out. No need to put a social activist spin on a selfish cause. In case you haven't seen the video, it highly glamorizes Swift and friends, as they appear to be indestructible, fierce, and dominant. Boys who play princesses are scrutinized for their vulnerability. Taylor, nobody ever said it's getting easier for boys to play princesses. Sure, gay marriage is now legal in all fifty states. Sure, we are facing progression in Civil Rights. No, we are not immune to the harsh realities that surround LGBT individuals. Your statement is a mockery of the progress such members are trying to make. One step forward for your career, two steps back for gender equality.