Why feminists are wrong to criticise Taylor Swift
The harassment inflicted upon Taylor Swift for not participating in the women’s march is hugely damaging to the feminist cause, writes Madeleine Ryan.
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Over the past several days, singer and self-proclaimed feminist Taylor Swift has been heavily criticised by fans for not walking in the much-hyped Women’s March.
Celebrities in attendance included Rhianna, Cher, Ashley Judd, Sir Ian McKellen, Madonna, Charlize Theron, Alicia Keys and Kristen Stewart.
In response to Swift’s tweet “so much love, pride and respect for those who marched. I’m proud to be a woman today, and everyday”, followers and fans responded with outrage.
“As a fan of yours, this is some bullsh*t. You do not get to pick and choose when feminism suits you,” read one response.
“This is gross opportunism. Be Better,” advised another.
Others simply demanded, “Shut up and go march.”
We are moving into very dangerous territory if total, outwardly mobile, readily identifiable indications of conformity have become the benchmark for feminism’s success.
By all means march, write, post, share, like, follow and tweet whatever you like, but do not persecute others for choosing not to do so.
Waving the feminist flag in front of bullying doesn’t change the fact that it’s bullying. And if you’re walking in a Women’s March because you’re scared of being labelled as anti-feminist for not doing so, don’t march.
No cause is worth fighting for if it’s motivating force is fear.
The harassment inflicted upon Swift — or anyone else who deviates from the party line — is hugely damaging to the feminist cause. This behaviour jeopardises the potential that feminism has to empower men, women, and minority groups of all kinds because, ideally, it’s a movement about the right to choose, inclusion, and equality.
This doesn’t mean that everyone is the same and must be treated as such. It means that everyone’s differences must be respected and treated equally.
It means the fact that you are a man and I am a woman need not influence how we are treated at work, at school, at a hospital or at home.
It means that every voice deserves to be heard, because we want to live in a world that embraces everyone’s unique perspectives and preferences.
Not a world where unpopular opinions are shouted down, or the only way to engage with a supposedly liberating movement like feminism is via a strict code of conduct.
Ironically, the feminists perpetuating this belief are veering down the exact same path as the fascism they’re so worried about appearing in the White House.
When feminism comes with conditions attached, its scope becomes narrow and its usefulness is defeated. Because while you might be drawn to protesting for equal pay, someone else might be vocal about sexism. I might want to quietly spend time researching birth control options and Swift might want to go and co-write songs about the need to “Shake it Off.”
The only way an ideology or religion can serve a useful purpose in the world today is if we are allowed to select what works for us and to leave the rest without fear of persecution.
Swift has a right to tweet rather than march, just as she has a right to sing songs like “Bad Blood” which are inspired by themes like revenge, competitiveness, and greed. She also has a right to make millions of dollars in the process, and owes us nothing in return.
Women — feminists, even — may have helped to put her in that position, but we have no right to tear her down for not “playing ball” at a Women’s March.
Perhaps we can learn about what’s possible for a feminist from Swift’s example because, judging by her behaviour, a feminist can be whomever they want, vote for whomever they like, sing whatever inspires them and walk wherever they please. Supposedly, that’s what feminism is about. And Swift makes it look pretty good.
Everyone, including Taylor Swift, has a right to be a feminist on their own terms.
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