The beginning of breaking down why I and many other people can't stand stand Taylor Swift. Specifically for this post, "You Belong With Me"...and this is only the beginning.
Swift’s song illustrates the concept discussed in class of the sexual double standard
surrounding men and women. Her comparison between herself and the object of affection of her desired boy is consistently made by slut shaming, the degradation of a woman based on her
actual or perceived sexual activity. Essentially, Swift advocates the fact through her lyrics that a women’s sexuality makes her less credible. This idea has no male counterpart; in fact society often praises men for their sexual histories, associating it with the desired masculinity. The consequence of slut shaming is that this perception contributes and encourages rape culture, by supporting a rapist over a victim on the defense that the victim was “asking for it.” This idea of
“asking for it” often comes from clothing. If a victim was wearing clothes considered to be revealing, then it is often claimed that she was purposefully drawing attention to herself and did
not have the right to turn away sexual advances. Clothing is an important part of Swift’s lyrics in this song, as she implies that the differences in dress between her and this other girl justify her credibility as a more desirable, authentic partner.
Swift is propagated to be an example of an average girl held as a role model for young girls. This song portrays her as a jealous friend who directs her anger at another girl because she is dating the boy Swift wants, and in doing so she encourages young girls to do the
same. By idealizing a certain type of clothing and behavior, Swift is perpetuating the idea that a women’s choice of dress and her sexuality are intertwined, and that sexuality is something to be
shamed. These ideas are dangerous in that they perpetuate rape culture and encourage of double standard of what is considered acceptable behavior for men and women.
As always, reading you is kind of like throwing back a shot of hard liquor: it's bracing! For your readers, you'll want to explain "slut shaming" and "rape culture."
ReplyDeleteI read the lyrics to "You Belong With Me," (which I enjoyed the few times I heard it previously) and I can see what you mean. But what do you make of the video of it? It seems to be more about the nerdy girl trying to find her self-confidence. It doesn't make the "girlfriend" slutty, but certain very attractive, cool, and popular.
I'm not defending the song or Swift, but just articulating some objections for you to consider.
As I always enjoy the cultural commentary at Slate, I found this about Swift. http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2009/09/03/aging_back_into_the_taylor_swift_demographic.html
I didn't find anything really good on what Swift might represent. But as a recommendation for your listening and reading, check out Slate's Double X Gabfest: http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor.html
I don't think Swift is condoning "slut shaming." Reading the lyrics on their own maybe, but the video doesn't portray that. I think that Swift is trying to reach out to less popular girls that may have a crush on a boy that they don't associate with. It seems like this is just what happens in high school. If a nerdy boy liked a popular girl, the same thing would go on. Taylor Swift's songs always reach out to girls because she relates to how they really feel. Before this song, I don't really think there was anything else that reached out to the underdog. When Swift says,
ReplyDelete"Walking the streets
With you and your worn out jeans
I can't help thinking
This is how it ought to be."
she's not saying that she should start wearing inappropriate clothing, she's saying that she feels she is more right for him.