A Modest Defense of Swifties
Modern culture and interests have become, over time, an assortment of diverse ideas and tastes specifically catered to different arrays of people. Some may like or dislike one thing or another, depending solely on their experience and nature. Although not the most knowledgeable about pop culture, certain controversies have come to my attention now and then, and I have largely ignored them. But the utter polarization of “swifties” and those who dislike Swift in media confuses and baffles me. I don’t consider myself an expert on what should or shouldn’t be popular, but out of pure decency and principle, I find myself writing in defense of these fans.
The criticisms facing Swift’s work and fans are as follows:
- Negative effects on the environment
- Immoral business practices
- Toxic fans
- Overrated
- Bad lyrics and storytelling
I think these criticisms are important to address, but I will not give them the honor of saying that they are an assessment of quality. In fact, quite a few are purely subjective, and cannot be refuted. Swift has no control over apparently toxic swifties. That is merely an issue with the audience, which could in reality be nothing short of a couple mean spirited people representing a community through the inherent biases of memory. I can say nothing in defense of these people, and I will end on this note by stating that they do not represent everyone.
As for the environmental effect, I think that it is hardly avoidable, but I will admit that I can say nothing in denial of it. It is, at this point, a well-known fact. But what I can say in defense is merely a matter of economics. Though it is not often considered, Johnathan Swift died 280 years ago, sadly before the industrial revolution took hold. This means that the use of much paper in both writing and distributing his novels was completely necessary. It is very unlikely he was able to afford a computer at the time, especially given the sorry state of Ireland during the potato famine. I find it completely unreasonable for someone to detest him as a part of this problem. There is really not much more he could have done, nor is he able to speak in his own defense, which makes this sort of condemnation particularly unsavory.
In response to immoral business practices, which falls under the same censure, I believe I am quite clever in recognizing this as a misunderstanding of his most famous satire. It is often misunderstood in “A Modest Proposal” that he is being genuine in his ideas, when, in reality, this is a classic example of social satire. I can most readily assure you that Swift held no cannibalistic ideology or practice. I hope this answers your question. In addition, I believe that the criticism of “bad lyrics and storytelling” is derived from a similar misunderstanding. In fact, I find it quite sad that so many misunderstandings have arisen on this topic in question, given that swifties are currently so controversial. His story telling is not for everyone. That is true. But I do think it shows some troll-like search for something to be angered by, specifically in the disapproval of his lyrics. I, for one, was not even aware that he wrote poetry, much less that it is considered bad by those who dislike swifties. It is quite a shame, because I found his lyrics quite charming. They may make a swifty of me yet!
Finally, in response to Swift being overrated, I have to say I think nothing could be further from the truth. Why would English teachers still assign his writing if it is not of value and quality? These people, arguing such silly things, really have no appreciation for satire. I believe it was Oscar Wilde who once said, “Life is too important to take seriously.” To go looking for things to be mad about, to debase precious art through overidealized standards, is no way to go through life. Neither is willfully misunderstanding such things a road to success. Shame on you! Besides, if you’re just looking for something to make fun of, why not just go listen to Taylor Swift? That would make more sense.
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