An Open Letter to Taylor Swift

Dear Taylor,

There was a time I truly believed I was your biggest fan in the world. I knew the words to every single one of your songs — I still do — even the ones that no one remembered, even the ones that were never officially released. About a year ago, I went to a Taylor Swift dance party and had one of my favourite girls’ nights out; I cut it so close catching the last train home. I’ve been to two of your concerts and sang my voice to death at both.

I love what your music stands for. I know so many have criticized your lyrics for being too cheesy, weepy, and dramatic. Perhaps they are, but so was I. So were millions of people in their teens. Your voice validated my feelings throughout middle and high school. You made me feel less lonely. You supported me through normal emotions of an often misunderstood stage of life, and I will always appreciate that.

As I grew older, I felt that you did too. In 2014, you said of Better Than Revenge: “I was 18 when I wrote that. That’s the age you are when you think someone can actually take your boyfriend. Then you grow up and realize no one can take someone from you if they don’t want to leave.” I thought that was such a mature sentiment to admit, and like so much of your work, I related to it and respected it. I felt we were learning together.

Throughout the past ten years, I’ve always given you the benefit of the doubt. I’ve always stood up for you and tried to think the best of you. But I just cannot defend your silence anymore. If you are a feminist as you claim to be, why did you not say a word against sexual assault to accompany your monetary donation to Kesha? Why did you never respond to concerns of cultural appropriation and colonial fantasy in your music videos? Why did you prolong playing the victim in the Kanye narrative? Why did you not endorse Hillary when so much was on the line for women? Why did you say nothing throughout Trump’s racist and sexist campaign? And why — in the past two weeks of panic and distress and fear — have you only spoken to promote yourself?

I could say that as an individual, you have a right to do as you please and stay silent when you want, but we all know it’s not that simple. Your silence is deafening, as is everyone else’s in these times. Many young people still follow your lead, still hold you as an example, still respect your opinions. You are promoting a harmful image of white feminism that is exclusionary and damaging. If you have the time to promote a new song, you have the time to denounce hate. If you can call yourself a feminist, you can say something when abortion rights are attacked, when a self-proclaimed sexual assaulter is elected president, when orders are introduced daily that restrict the rights of thousands of women and people worldwide. Taylor, in these times, when so much is at stake, feigning normalcy is as strong a statement as any.

So much of me has been influenced by you, from my bright red lipstick to my undying belief in love. Please understand how many of us looked up to you. I know you’re aware of your power, so take a stand. Engage with perspectives beyond your own, as true feminists do. Make your actions reflect your words and make us proud to be your fans.

Love,

Linh