I hope your not being 100% certain “what this should be” will continue to allow you to write things that matter. As a mom and mom-in-law I was surprised that my married son and his wife gifted my son’s half-sister with a Swift concert. For a quick second I was a bit envious; not because I wanted that gift, but I’d give quite a lot to experience Mahler’s 2nd from the audience. . .
nevertheless, I’ve not seen much in Swift’s life to indicate she is not worthy of fandom. I’d rather have young folks follow positivity than the horrific insanity happening around us.
My niece is Swifty (?) Frankly at 76 it’s not my kind of music that said I am happy for the young girls and not so young that have found a positive role model.someone who seems genuinely interested in her fans. Not looking at them as pure $$$$ signs but wants to empower them to be the person they are meant to be. Can see why that would scare the MAGA crowd.
Well written. I (sadly) have no young Swifties in my daily life, only my 79 year old husband who has been a huge fan of hers since long before Travis came along. He admires her not for her music, but rather for her brilliance in managing life, business, and money. He wouldn't recognize her songs if I flooded the house with them daily. He admires her grace, classy behavior, and intelligence. He, a truly self-made retired small businessman and lifelong conservative Republican, sees the MAGA madness around Taylor for what it is, and has moved further toward centrism as a result. May legion upon legion of Swifty relatives join him.
Of all the articles I've read about this strange focus in American culture, this is the one that warms my heart. Frankly, I've only recently paid much attention to Taylor. The backlash of the horribles is that now I'm an ardent supporter. Go Swifty's.
This piece so perfectly embodies the magic of Taylor and her fans. Also, your girls are so lucky to have you for their dad. Thank you for being such an empowering voice in this madness!🫶🏼
What a beautiful piece about Taylor and the Swifty movement she is quite the phenomenal spectacular exemplifier of the world we need to be living in and the one we need to eradicate from our society.
Well written Elliot. To me, your thoughts about women reflect an update summary of ‘The Feminine Mystique’ Thank you for being a voice for women & girls...
Yes, re your thoughts, TS phenomenon causes update to philosophies on “women and girls.” Mental health has been affected by so MANY “worries” crushing people, e.g., climate change, reels that show angsty fighting.
People FEEL these-times, up-close and personal, because of phones and film (it is unlikely future people will reflect on these as “good old days”).
My BIG take away from author’s item, “… finding hope by believing that you are seen,” young women have historically been abused and discounted—being SEEN (“hullo in there?”) and HEARD, it is as if equality were proffered but snatched away or not worth-the-win, because all these other crises arose, bigger and badder at the moment equity felt certain.
It’s as if, women and minorities are still beholden to self-selected leader caste, or that those torched everything in their cranky haste to retreat (to far corners to grouse about how unfair the world has become).
Enjoyed this one. My 62 year old self distinctly remembers John Denver accepting a people’s choice award and encouraging people to register to vote and participate. “ you don’t get your bitch if you don’t vote”. Yep, the 70’s. Nothing new here- just participate in the process- that’s the important part. TS just the latest in a long list of musicians encouraging people to empower themselves through voting. We may not win every time, but you can not win if you sit in stands watching.
The wonderful bonding I have had sharing this music with my 23 year old daughter has been priceless. Memories of car trips with Taylor on the radio full blast, singing along. The two of us choosing which song to play next.
Then I watched her Netflix documentary and was so impressed with her independence.
She was taking a stand for what she believes in, even if her father disapproved. That is what every mother should want her daughter to grow up to be!
It has been a pleasure to watch this young girl grow up to be such a great voice for herself and stand up for others.
What an uplifting story! I love how you're so supportive of your girls! And I'm seeing the big picture. My dad writes children's stories with a focus of love and connection. Perhaps my dad 101-year-old dad would be a Swifty too! I am! ♥️
thank you for the story. I never bothered to listen to her music and never understood her immense influence. But after reading your essay, I now realize why she is idolized.
Maybe as long ago as the Beatles and maybe even Elvis would have known such adoration
When the Federal Reserved cites your tour as affecting the economy (lots of people fly in, giving hotels and restaurants a boost) ... if she's moving the needle to that extent on the economy, I would not be surprised as to that last. VERY intriguing question when it comes to the Presidential/Senate/House elections.
love you father ‼️‼️
Thank you, Eva. Love you too!
Too sweet! You’ve got a fire dad, young sista! How lucky you are
I hope your not being 100% certain “what this should be” will continue to allow you to write things that matter. As a mom and mom-in-law I was surprised that my married son and his wife gifted my son’s half-sister with a Swift concert. For a quick second I was a bit envious; not because I wanted that gift, but I’d give quite a lot to experience Mahler’s 2nd from the audience. . .
nevertheless, I’ve not seen much in Swift’s life to indicate she is not worthy of fandom. I’d rather have young folks follow positivity than the horrific insanity happening around us.
Yes...oh, yes. I'm with you on Mahler, but your last sentence is masterful.
My niece is Swifty (?) Frankly at 76 it’s not my kind of music that said I am happy for the young girls and not so young that have found a positive role model.someone who seems genuinely interested in her fans. Not looking at them as pure $$$$ signs but wants to empower them to be the person they are meant to be. Can see why that would scare the MAGA crowd.
Well written. I (sadly) have no young Swifties in my daily life, only my 79 year old husband who has been a huge fan of hers since long before Travis came along. He admires her not for her music, but rather for her brilliance in managing life, business, and money. He wouldn't recognize her songs if I flooded the house with them daily. He admires her grace, classy behavior, and intelligence. He, a truly self-made retired small businessman and lifelong conservative Republican, sees the MAGA madness around Taylor for what it is, and has moved further toward centrism as a result. May legion upon legion of Swifty relatives join him.
That is truly a great story about your husband….gives me hope that more will follow and see through the “MAGA madness”
My feelings as well!
Of all the articles I've read about this strange focus in American culture, this is the one that warms my heart. Frankly, I've only recently paid much attention to Taylor. The backlash of the horribles is that now I'm an ardent supporter. Go Swifty's.
Me too Rena!!
A wonderful and insightful piece of writing. Great Job. 😊🥸😇🤪
Agreed!
This piece so perfectly embodies the magic of Taylor and her fans. Also, your girls are so lucky to have you for their dad. Thank you for being such an empowering voice in this madness!🫶🏼
Thanks Lisa. But to be honest, I feel I am the lucky one to have them as daughters.
beautifully written!! 💗💗💗
What a beautiful piece about Taylor and the Swifty movement she is quite the phenomenal spectacular exemplifier of the world we need to be living in and the one we need to eradicate from our society.
Well said Lisa!
Well written Elliot. To me, your thoughts about women reflect an update summary of ‘The Feminine Mystique’ Thank you for being a voice for women & girls...
Yes, re your thoughts, TS phenomenon causes update to philosophies on “women and girls.” Mental health has been affected by so MANY “worries” crushing people, e.g., climate change, reels that show angsty fighting.
People FEEL these-times, up-close and personal, because of phones and film (it is unlikely future people will reflect on these as “good old days”).
My BIG take away from author’s item, “… finding hope by believing that you are seen,” young women have historically been abused and discounted—being SEEN (“hullo in there?”) and HEARD, it is as if equality were proffered but snatched away or not worth-the-win, because all these other crises arose, bigger and badder at the moment equity felt certain.
It’s as if, women and minorities are still beholden to self-selected leader caste, or that those torched everything in their cranky haste to retreat (to far corners to grouse about how unfair the world has become).
Enjoyed this one. My 62 year old self distinctly remembers John Denver accepting a people’s choice award and encouraging people to register to vote and participate. “ you don’t get your bitch if you don’t vote”. Yep, the 70’s. Nothing new here- just participate in the process- that’s the important part. TS just the latest in a long list of musicians encouraging people to empower themselves through voting. We may not win every time, but you can not win if you sit in stands watching.
I did not know that about John Denver, or had forgotten…the 70’s were quite a different kettle of fish!
I’m a 65 year old Swifty!
The wonderful bonding I have had sharing this music with my 23 year old daughter has been priceless. Memories of car trips with Taylor on the radio full blast, singing along. The two of us choosing which song to play next.
Then I watched her Netflix documentary and was so impressed with her independence.
She was taking a stand for what she believes in, even if her father disapproved. That is what every mother should want her daughter to grow up to be!
It has been a pleasure to watch this young girl grow up to be such a great voice for herself and stand up for others.
A lot of men men see strong women as contentious wether it's on a global level or within the household.
I hope lots of women emulate her.
What an uplifting story! I love how you're so supportive of your girls! And I'm seeing the big picture. My dad writes children's stories with a focus of love and connection. Perhaps my dad 101-year-old dad would be a Swifty too! I am! ♥️
My Rabbi took her 8- year old daughter to a swifty concert. They were so stoked
She’s marvellous !
Bravo Taylor!!
thank you for the story. I never bothered to listen to her music and never understood her immense influence. But after reading your essay, I now realize why she is idolized.
Maybe as long ago as the Beatles and maybe even Elvis would have known such adoration
However, the power that Taylor Swi
Swift to influence her varied followers, apparently everywhere, to unify a choice for president.
If Biden wins by a margin equal to the swities, how much could that be?
Fantastic piece!!!
When the Federal Reserved cites your tour as affecting the economy (lots of people fly in, giving hotels and restaurants a boost) ... if she's moving the needle to that extent on the economy, I would not be surprised as to that last. VERY intriguing question when it comes to the Presidential/Senate/House elections.
Rob…watch her concert film…it will rock your world!
Beautifully written-thank you, Elliott!!! 🙏🏻💗