Here’s something I never thought I’d be writing about. But here I am and I have a lot of opinions on this topic about this person. Where to begin…
Let me just say that I am not too big of a fan of pop music nor have I really paid Taylor Swift much attention. I mean, I know who she is obviously and I know her music but I have never been invested in her. BUT as a music lover who gives a chance to any type of music, whether it’s mainstream or indie, I like to give an honest opinion, whether it is unpopular or not.
I am writing this on the day Taylor Swift has released her second single from Reputation, titled “…Ready For It?”. That just happens to be a coincidence as I was a originally going to talk about the other single, “Look What You Made Me Do”, so that will be the main focus here.
When I heard that Taylor would be switching gears and making a rap/R&B inspired album, I kind of laughed it off. Then the song dropped and people generally all had the same negative opinions about it. They mocked her, said it didn’t fit her and a lot of other not so favorable things. When I first heard it, I really didn’t like it. I was a bit secondhand embarrassed for her. I agreed that it didn’t suit her style.
Well…then the video dropped.
I am NOT ashamed to admit that my opinion has since changed. I ended up listening to the song on repeat and it just caught on with me. It’s very catchy, which is what Taylor is known for with her songs. Apparently people are saying that the song has to do with her “ongoing” feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian which I guess you have to read between the lines of the lyrics to get that connection. I will say that if she is putting that much thought and energy to create music based off of her experiences with other people, it is a bit disappointing. I do NOT agree with the notion that you have to hate a song because you hate who sings it. That is where it looks like everyone’s opinions are coming from in regards to Look What You Made Me Do.
Come on people. Grow up. Oh, what’s that? You say Taylor is the one who should grow up? Even if that’s true, and I do agree to an extent, it shouldn’t hinder your opinion of her music. Music is that type of thing that you either like or you don’t. Personally, I don’t think you get to choose what you find catchy or not. It just happens. So people who put so much time and energy into bashing Taylor Swift because they think she plays the victim or is fake or all that mumbo jumbo- I feel bad for you. It must be so exhausting to put so much energy into something that doesn’t effect you.
In fact, in her music video, she addresses all the jokes and stuff that everyone says about her. The fact that people continue to say these things after she basically proves that she doesn’t care, and makes fun of herself for those same reasons, is kind of embarrassing.
This is part of an unhealthy trend that I have seen begin where people automatically hate things no matter what they are. It’s ridiculous. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen stories on Twitter like “So-and-So donates $XXX to [cause]”. Then, like I do, I look through the comments because I’m always curious about how other people see certain situations and there is always that comment like, “OH WOW! Why couldn’t So-And-So donate $XXX+1 instead?! Cheapskate asshole!” It is a baffling way to think.
Pro-Tip: Try to take a step out of your own shoes, and look at yourself from an unbiased point of view. Are you being unreasonable? Do you see flaw in your actions? Maybe it’s time to rethink your position on some things and give criticism where criticism is due, and if it’s not, just don’t criticize. You don’t have to come up with a reason to be upset. Instead, find a reason to smile.
So if you don’t like who Taylor Swift is, and that is completely fine, then leave it at that. You don’t have to attack and ridicule someone for what they’re doing just because you don’t like what they’re doing or who they are. I think that’s called bullying. Like, I really don’t like Kanye West as a human being. Do I think he’s a bad person? No. I just have a personal opinion that I don’t expect anyone else to have to agree with. Do I like his music? Absolutely! My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of my all time favorite albums. Who he is shouldn’t mess with my opinion of his music. Another baffling thing about this topic is that we are supposed to be the most inclusive, accepting generation yet we offer so much hate and closed-mindedness. You wouldn’t do it to someone at school, so why do it to someone who is as famous as Taylor Swift. Look, I’m sure she doesn’t even care, or maybe she does which is why she keeps “playing the victim”. Famous people are human too- I know that’s hard to believe but they are.
Moving on to the song that released today, “…Are You Ready?”. That one…..I don’t like so much. HOWEVER! I do predict that it will be a hit because it has everything all hits have: a catchy chorus, catchy beat, and it’s Taylor Swift. Is it out of her style? Yeah but that shouldn’t matter. Look, if either of these songs were sung by different people, you’d all love it. I’m sure people will love both songs and her album too.
Regardless, if you hate her, love her, or are just talking about her in general like me. We’re putting money in her pocket and she’s definitely not hurting. Keep doing what you’re doing Taylor. I’m sure you will regardless.
