It was a sweltering night in July, the kind where the city air hangs heavy and still. Headphones on, I was desperately seeking an escape, a sonic refuge from the overwhelming anxiety of the pandemic that had gripped the world. My finger hovered over my usual “sleep sad” playlist on Spotify, but something different caught my eye – Folklore by Taylor Swift, prominently displayed on my homepage. Hesitantly, I pressed play.
The album unfolded like a storybook, each song a meticulously crafted narrative of moments, emotions, and intricate relationships. Swift’s ability to transport me into her world of love, betrayal, heartache, and joy was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her music became an unexpected sanctuary, a world away from the chaos and uncertainty outside my bedroom door. That night marked my conversion – I was, unexpectedly, becoming a Taylor Swift fan.
Before Folklore, Taylor Swift had been a peripheral figure in my musical landscape. Growing up in the 2010s meant her ubiquitous presence was inescapable. From early country-pop anthems like “Love Story” to later pop juggernauts such as “Blank Space,” her hits were woven into the fabric of the decade’s soundtrack. Like many, I knew of Taylor Swift, but I hadn’t truly listened, hadn’t delved deeper than the radio singles.
For a significant portion of my life, I confess, I actively resisted engaging with Taylor Swift’s music. I harbored a distinct dislike, even bordering on hate. In the convoluted logic of teenage insecurity, liking Taylor Swift felt…basic. It felt like admitting a lack of individuality, a surrender to mainstream conformity.
Embarrassingly, I admit to having judged others for openly declaring themselves Swifties. The Kanye-Taylor feud of 2016 seemed to solidify a “valid” reason to dislike her, further pushing me away from exploring her discography.
A quick Google search for “I hate Taylor Swift” reveals a seemingly endless scroll of articles, forum threads, and social media posts dedicated to dissecting and amplifying the animosity towards Swift. While it’s undeniable that musical taste is subjective, and Taylor Swift isn’t universally acclaimed as the greatest musician of all time, the intensity of the dislike is striking. Why does Taylor Swift evoke such strong negative reactions? What fuels the controversy and the readily available online spaces dedicated to expressing anti-Swift sentiment? The answer, I believe, lies in two interconnected forces: internalized misogyny and the pervasive sexism embedded within the music industry.
The Shadow of Internalized Misogyny
Internalized misogyny is a complex phenomenon where women subconsciously adopt and perpetuate sexist societal norms, often in an attempt to conform to standards that are, ultimately, defined by and for men. These standards dictate how women “should” behave, present themselves, and express themselves.
In contemporary terms, this manifests in concepts like the “pick me girl” trope or the ubiquitous phrase “I’m not like other girls.” Young women, in particular, are often pressured to cultivate an image of unique individuality, judged by how “different” they are from other women and, crucially, how appealing this perceived uniqueness is to a male gaze. This internalized pressure can lead women to tear down other women as a misguided attempt to elevate their own status.
Taylor Swift becomes a potent example of how this internalized misogyny manifests as unwarranted criticism of female artists. What are the common refrains of Taylor Swift hate? She’s dated “too many” men. Her music is “too popular.” She’s “too successful.”
Taylor Swift Album Cover
These criticisms rarely engage with the actual music itself. Instead, the negativity often focuses on her personality, labeling her as “annoying,” “bitchy,” “emotional,” or other loaded terms that rely on sexist stereotypes of women. This aversion isn’t about musical merit; it’s often rooted in discomfort with a woman who is unapologetically successful, publicly romantic, and emotionally expressive – traits often deemed undesirable or “too much” in women.
Sexism in the Music Industry: A Different Playing Field
This personal bias is amplified by the persistent sexism within the music industry. Female artists operate under a vastly different set of expectations and standards compared to their male counterparts. They are often subjected to relentless pressure to constantly reinvent their image, adhere to unrealistic beauty standards, and endure intense media scrutiny that disproportionately focuses on their personal lives and personalities. Male artists, even those with comparable levels of fame and public attention, rarely face the same level of criticism for similar behaviors or career trajectories.
Think about male musicians who have dated extensively, written songs about their relationships, or achieved massive commercial success. While they may face some level of criticism, it rarely reaches the same fever pitch or takes on the same personal, often vitriolic, tone directed at female artists like Taylor Swift. The industry and the broader culture often allow male artists to be perceived as “complex,” “tortured artists,” or even “charming rogues” for behaviors that are framed as flaws or character defects in women.
So, is it inherently sexist to dislike Taylor Swift’s music? Not necessarily. Musical taste is subjective. However, if you’ve read this far and struggle to pinpoint a concrete, music-related reason for your aversion to her work, it might be time for some introspection. Could your dislike be influenced, even unconsciously, by these broader societal biases?
Ultimately, we need to challenge the reflex to dismiss or denigrate things simply because they are popular, or because we fear being perceived as “basic” for enjoying them. Conforming to manufactured coolness or fearing social judgment is far less empowering than embracing your own genuine preferences. Listen to the music you genuinely love, wear what makes you feel confident, and be unapologetically yourself. The freedom to enjoy what you enjoy, without the weight of internalized biases or societal pressures, is a far more authentic and fulfilling path.
