There is a part in Miss Americana where Taylor Swift tearfully fights for her right to speak up. The documentary draws parallels with a dire fate of another girl group that was forced to disband for being political once and highlights her struggle with her people in fighting for her voice. It was transparently obvious they were trying to play it up, and I got goosebumps. I have gone in all pink to nehru place inox to watch her eras tour film. Needless to say at this point I identified myself as a Swiiftie. Yes even as she often failed to meet these curated expectations with actions, her jet usage specifically. I explained it as the media being too focused and obsessed with dissecting her. Maybe because she is a successful woman. Or just because we live in an extremely polarized online world and all jump at judging any aspect she gave of herself. I reflected on the bombardment of information I was given and tried to keep it simple- “I like her music, how she carries herself, and makes simple political statements that carried weight”. It was enough. Because as much weight as her word carried, I believed our elected representatives are the ones we should demand our answers from. Today her new album dropped and millions tuned in to mimic, react and listen. Opinions are divided, articles on her were probably already typed up judging by the speed at which they have dropped. However I'm forced to confront the years of silence she held on Gaza, till just before her album dropped. I cant quite explain how important it was for me that she had spoken up, that she was on the right side of humanity. Yes of course I still believe there are others before her we need to hold accountable. But she has revealed herself as just another billionaire. Greedy and disappointing.
