Core Response #4- Diana Motta Morales

    Myles McNutt highlights the differences between gendered hierarchies through Taylor Swift’s paratextual feminism. Throughout the article I found the immense backlash Taylor received as a female artist throughout her early years. Though I would consider myself a Swifty, I was unaware of the multitude of disadvantages Swift held. The argument many individuals held over Swift's authorship is in my opinion, insane. Taylor Swift's lyrics and storytelling abilities are truly authentic and real, through her songs she's able to beautifully portray a story that clearly has a beginning, middle and end and one that makes you feel empathy for all the characters involved. 

Stating that 1989 sounds “fake” is a claim that is clearly unsupported. The entire album revolves around a breakup and the journey one goes to from being completely in love to being sudden strangers. Though as the article continues it is easy to see how serious Swift takes her position as a singer/ songwriter and the leadership position she takes while also acknowledging her position within pop music culture. It is very disappointing seeing the type of power dynamic male producers and female artists have, McNutt mentions how through Swift’s Voice Memo releases she knew exactly what she wanted to do however, the end result was not what she imagined. Throughout the recording she states, “it wouldn’t be a piano thing” emphasizing her view, however the song ends up being predominantly piano focused.

Though I believe that Swift is an incredible composer, I cannot deny the fact that she is the epitome of a white feminist. McNutt highlights the idea that “Swift has been criticized for the lack of intersectionality in her feminism.” Swift's activism role is something that cannot be defended, it is very clear that she only speaks up on issues that personally affect her which as a white wealthy woman, there aren’t that many. It is very unfortunate to see that a star such as Taylor Swift does not stand up for women of color, especially those she calls friends.

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