AIBU to think Taylor Swift is being carefully repositioned and we’re not meant to notice?

[MidnightTheory]

I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a very slow, very subtle shift going on with Taylor Swift’s brand.

She built herself up as pro-choice, feminist, outspoken and a liberal figure. But since this whole NFL era, it feels like the edges are being sanded down. It’s not loud, not obvious, just little things like the relentless focus on her cheering in the boxes, the glossy all American girlfriend framing, the way the messaging has become more family-friendly, less political.

It’s clever because it’s incremental. Nobody suddenly says that she’s gone conservative, but drip by drip she’s aligning with NFL values which are patriotism, wholesomeness and big money sponsors who want safe.

I'm not a massive swiftie, but I have enjoyed her music, and maybe I'm a bit of a cynic but isn’t this how brand re-positioning works? Quiet, steady, so by the time you realise it’s happened, it already has.

AIBU to think we’re watching that play out in real time and it could backfire badly? Especially if the upcoming album turns out to be very beige?

She had/s the skill/talent to cultivate a certain image, and to employ people who help(ed) cultivate that image. This isn't 'slagging off', it's factual. HTH

i think pp made a good point up there: the Democrats are also allowed to hold family values, hard work and self sufficiency as values.

And all the DEI stuff they were focusing on in the last US election made people forget that.

The question you need to ask yourself is who is actually doing the framing, is it her or is it the media. And then who would benefit from the shift.

This.

But also given the state of US poltics and her life stage wanting a less outspoken profile wouldn't be that surprising surely.

Dont be obtuse. You called her manufactured, mediocre or whatever word you used and suggested people were exploited for going to her concerts. It's all utterly pathetic, as is the pass agg HTH.

It's about more than just 'listening to the music' though, kids (and adults) were/are hysterical over absolutely having to go to one of her concerts, and many also get quite frothed up if anyone dares not to love her.

You just seem weirdly over-invested in someone you claim to dislike.

I wouldn't even bother posting on a thread where someone was talking about something/someone I wasn't interested in. And I certainly wouldn't go on it to bash said person/thing.

Very odd.

You know she won't see what you say don't you? And if she did, she doesn't care. She is a beautiful, super rich, talented, gifted, and successful woman. Is that why you dislike her? 🤔

Yeah this. ^ Not worth engaging to be honest.

I think you can be both. You can be a feminist and liberal but still be keen on family values and marriage and kids. I don’t think she’s changed, she’s always been big on family, close to her parents. It was pretty natural that once she’d found the right guy she’d probably settle down.

and I do think we have to be careful not to ridgedly pigeonhole people into one of two boxes. There’s a massive spectrum and a lot of overlap

I don't despise her, I've merely stated at least part of the reason for her success. HTH

Nobody. Is. Holding. A. Gun. To. Their. Heads.

Why don't you have a little think about the Beatles and how they exploited all those screaming teenagers... hint. They wern't.

Me explaining my point isn't 'being obtuse'.
You are giving a perfect illustration of the dramatic responses to anyone not adoring her though.
My son likes her, I've tried to like her music, but it's just quite samey for me - you may well feel that way about music I like, but I'll not call you names for not appreciating the same artists I do.

Very true.

I remember there was a thread re Taylor last year and it literally came down to 'she isn't authentic like Grohl. She resorts to an outfit for a look.' When it was pointed out that Grohl's t shirt and jeans is also a look it wasn't taken well. Then a week later it came out that he was a cheating scum bag. Lol.

Did I say anyone was using a firearm?
Did I say some other artists don't exploit their fans?

Grohl is a disgusting creature.
Taylor appears a lot more decent than him.

OK. How is that evidence of her exploiting people?

Do you also think the manufacturers of pogs/tamagotchis/beanie babies/jellycats, or other artists popular with kids such as Ariana Grande, are also guilty of exploiting people?

you are being utterly silly in your "but exploitation"

We are not talking about other artists, we are addressing the batshit hyperbole that the anti TS posters are spouting.

I don't even like her music, but this constant bashing of any woman who DARES to be a little different, let alone a little on the right, is exhausting and ridiculous.

was @Tastaturen in case that wasn't clear

Agreed, while she's not my favourite person, she's allowed to evolve and grow and change priorities, like we all are.

Which do you want to discuss, just TS or other artists too? You seem undecided.
Nobody is bashing her, and she's really not that different to any other wealthy American artist.

You're coming across like you despise her.

HTH.

Yes, she is one of many who exploit their fans.

Are you sure you've not just decided that because I don't adore her then I must despise her?
I really don't despise anyone, well apart from trump and his gang.

No fans are exploited.

HTH.

PM me your address and I'll send you a dictionary for Christmas.

I mean if this isn’t a great example of ‘perfect illustration of a dramatic response’ then I don’t know what is. Mumsnet hyperbole at its finest. Even got ‘hysterical’ and ‘frothed’ in there. Well done! 😂

I'm shocked you can state that so confidently, though it does show how well her propaganda works. HTH