Taylor Swift is not a good role model

On June 27, Newsweek magazine (USA) shared an editorial by writer John Mac Ghlionn titled Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model .

Opening the article expressing his personal opinion, Mr. Ghlionn described Taylor not only as a pop music icon, but also a powerful economic force. The influence of the Anti-hero singer was so influential that it created a new branch of economics called “Swiftonomics”.

“ Her current tour, the Eras Tour, has proven to be a veritable goldmine for host cities around the world, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of temporary jobs… Taylor Swift holds great power ,” Mr. Ghlionn commented.

The author recognizes Taylor as the most influential celebrity in America at the present time, and at the same time it is indisputable that she is in the same position as a cultural monument.

Writer John Mac Ghlionn attracted attention with an essay criticizing Taylor Swift. Photo: Getty Images.

Despite that achievement, Mr. Ghlionn assessed that Taylor Swift is not a good role model for young women in the US and beyond. The reason given is that at the age of 34 (on December 13, Taylor will turn 35), the blonde beauty is still single and has no children.

“ By definition, a role model is someone worth following. While Swift’s musical talent and business acumen are certainly admirable, even commendable, we have to wonder if her personal life choices are ones that whether we want our sisters and daughters to follow suit or not. This may seem like preaching conservatism, but it is a concern rooted in rational argument ,” the author emphasizes.

The article mentions that Taylor Swift has dated many famous men over the years – at least 12, including Harry Styles, Joe Jonas, Jake Gyllenhaal and most recently American football player Travis Kelce . The author believes that considering “Swift standards” as the norm means promoting a superficial, unhealthy emotional lifestyle.

Not stopping there, Mr. Ghlionn also commented that Taylor was “hypocritical” when on the one hand she criticized the patriarchy, but chose to date strong, influential men.

“ With a massive global following (283 million on Instagram and 33 million on TikTok), Swift impacts the way young women across the globe view relationships and success. Her career, which includes multiple chart-topping hits and successful business ventures, is a testament to her work ethic and natural talent.

However, her flashy depiction of her romantic life can send quite offensive messages. Furthermore, many of her lyrics often portray herself as a victim.

This may influence young women to adopt a similar perspective in their own relationships, whether romantic or not. Swift is not a victim. She is the most famous music artist of all time ,” the veteran writer declared.

Discriminatory views of women

Although John Mac Ghlionn affirmed that the editorial was not intended to attack Taylor Swift, many readers did not think so. They think that the idea that Taylor Swift is not worthy of being a role model because she is not married and has children at the age of 34 is silly and discriminatory towards women. According to netizens, Taylor was treated unfairly when Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was also born in 1989, was not married and had children, but was not named.

Countless angry comments were shared on the forums: “What is this misogynistic nonsense from Newsweek? What Taylor Swift is not a role model for is that she is not married and has no children. Of course it was written by a man, but the magazine should be ashamed to publish this empty nonsense.”

“No man has ever been criticized in the media for being a bad role model for boys because he is 34 years old, unmarried and has no children,” “Young women do not need to aspire to marriage and give birth. Personally, I’m not interested in Taylor Swift, but taking someone who works hard, is financially independent, and also donates a lot to charities as a bad role model is speechless.”

“There is nothing wrong with being 34 years old, single and without children”, “She is not looking for empty fame. She has built many friendships over the years, accompanied her parents, and given back to the community. She doesn’t have as many relationships as most male stars might have in a year.”

“Why do so many people feel they have the right to criticize the lifestyle of someone they have never met?”, “In fact, she is a great role model in teaching women and girls that They don’t need to get married at 34, have children and depend on men to provide for them.

Netizens were angry because Taylor and her boyfriend were the same age, but only she was condemned for not being married or having children. Photo: Getty Images.

Other opinions criticized Ghlionn as a coward, backward, insecure about women’s success, short-sighted and nosy in other people’s affairs.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is also part of the wave of protests against articles criticizing Taylor Swift. She wrote on

Besides, some people seemed to agree with the male writer: “That is a point of view. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. I don’t want a girl who seeks empty fame on her own. Money and mass admiration can comfort a lonely life later”, “Personally, I really like how radical feminists are excited by this”…

However, opinions supporting Ghlionn were quickly refuted by Taylor’s supporters. They declared that what the female singer has achieved is thanks to her talent and endless efforts, which is not empty, but brings great benefits to society, and at the same time inspires strongly.

Faced with backlash from the online community, John Mac Ghlionn had to delete his X account. He and Newsweek have not commented on the editorial.

According to Tien Phong