Swiftmania offers a unique and transformative experience that surpasses the music I enjoyed as a teenager. It provides a profound sense of euphoria, one that is worth enduring the hardships. It’s not just about discovering a wide range of songs, but immersing oneself in the vibrant Swiftie culture — a continuous party that never ceases. It grants constant access to music, news, merchandise hunting, street shout-outs, and the exchange of songs and meaningful lyrics through texts or shared bracelets.
During my youth, I found solace in artists like the Indigo Girls, Tori Amos, and Ani DiFranco. They expressed their troubled inner selves through raw and edgy personas. However, there wasn’t anyone who channeled righteous anger while donning a glittering bodysuit. There was no one who could suffer like I did, yet exude confidence, making me feel more empowered. Unlike my past idols who would remain on the sidelines, Taylor Swift doesn’t force you to choose. She embodies both the person you aspire to be, “The Lucky One,” and the person you are deep inside, the “Anti-Hero.”
Who is the Swiftie? In my practice, I’ve noticed certain traits shared among these individuals. They were raised with values of kindness and fairness, and they possess sensitivity, ambition, and a touch of perfectionism. Like Taylor, they strive to dress stylishly and attractively (and sometimes vengefully). However, beneath the surface, they carry profound pain. Their self-doubt perpetuates a vicious cycle in a world where they appear timid and inexperienced, often dismissed by others. Swifties are hard-working, frustrated, and wonder if they would achieve success more swiftly if they were men. Desperate for love, they have moments of begging Romeo to “just say yes” or enduring mistreatment in complicated relationships. Yet, Swifties aspire to be modern-day Cinderellas who are uncertain if they need a man. Taylor Swift serves as a genuine hero who meets them where they are, while also revealing the badass persona they have the potential to become. Her allure lies in its attainability.
In my practice, the question “What would Taylor Swift do?” frequently arises among certain patients. Teenagers endure various forms of suffering. They navigate the fragile process of self-discovery, akin to a construction site. Furthermore, they often find themselves surrounded by peers undergoing the same process. Taylor Swift not only vocalizes the treachery of bullying but also sheds light on the more pervasive cruelty of meanness, exclusion, and intermittent ghosting. She encourages her listeners to draw strength from her music, embrace their pain, and create something beautiful from it. Ultimately, they can overcome adversity and “shake it off.”
However, what sets this artist apart in the present time is her ability to build a connected community, particularly for the pandemic generation. In an era where social connections became tragically elusive and the internet assumed a dominant role, Taylor Swift has provided a sense of unity. Whatever struggles individuals face, she has a song within her extensive repertoire that captures those exact emotions. While she may not offer solutions to specific problems, she stands beside her fans, accompanying them through their hardships until time heals: Look at her now.
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