Megan O’Brien — Supplemental Response #5

I think that Taylor Swift’s “The Man” music video is particularly interesting to look at through the lens of this class and this week's readings. Swift plays a man in this film and embraces masculinity to showcase how much easier her life would be if she were a man. Her male persona gets applauded for simple tasks, is allowed to over react, and is seen inconveniencing others without any repercussions. This video creates an interesting conversation as it exposes and exploits the white male privilege. Seeing these everyday instances back to back emphasizes the unequal standards that the male gender is held to. The music video and song’s message as a whole articulates a piece of art that speaks into relation of this weeks readings regarding pop celebrities appropriating alternate genders and races. Swift is successful in creating a meaningful message by forming deeper connections with the alternate race and gender in the video and her personal experience seen through the lyrics. Overall, this song and video create a reality that speaks to people and uses the current political climate to make interesting conversations.


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