There are several artists in our cultural that have large fan followings, such as Beyonce, Justin Bieber, and Travis Scott. Although, there is one fan base in particular that stands out to me and that is those of Taylor Swift, or otherwise known as “Swifties.” These are some of the most loyal fans to the point of obsession. All kinds of different people from all over the world can come together and bond over a shared love of Taylor Swift, her music, and just about anything else she does. The most hardcore fans are capable of analyzing her social media posts, music videos, lyrics, or anything of the sort for “Easter eggs,” which leave clues about what she is planning on doing next. Looking in from the outside, anyone who is not a Swiftie may even describe this fan base as too intense, obsessive, or cultish.
Legitimation
According to Martin in Chapter 7 on Legitimation, “things are not just the way they are, things are how we have made them” (Martin, page 103). Taylor Swift has not always been a massive, global icon. She has been made into this by her own success and talent, but also by her fans. She has not always been one of the most awarded artists. Our society has decided that, overall, her work is exceptional. Another way to think of this concept of legitimation with regard to Taylor Swift is to consider the aspect of the “cultural toolbox” and how it can apply. Some traditions, rituals, and practices that can be seen in this culture are celebrating Taylor Swift’s birthday on December 13th and searching for Easter eggs in every possible thing. Myths and stories of this culture can either come directly from the source, Taylor Swift herself, or more commonly from the varies theories and speculations of Swifties. Most myths and stories are created by fans guessing who or what a song is about and any hidden meaning behind it. Texts can be related to her lyrics from each song. Icons within the Taylor Swift culture are her red lipstick, a red scarf, snakes, her iconic blonde hair, and a vault the contains all her past secret songs. Major figures that can be seen are her three cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. These are all ways in which Martin’s idea of legitimation can be applied to the culture surrounding Taylor Swift fans.
Authority
In Martin’s Chapter 8 on Authority, he discusses that there are three types of authority within societies or cultures. They are authoritative things, religious figures or social positions, or absent authority figures. From what I can tell, there is only one true authority figure in the Taylor Swift culture and that is Taylor Swift herself. She is the only one who knows all the answers to theories, speculations, and myths. Also, she is in the process of re-recording all her music so that she will actually own it herself and not be under the thumb of someone. In the past, there could have been the idea of a power struggle between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun, one of her managers with the record label. This could have made it unclear who the true authority was at the time, but now that things are changing I think there really is no question that Taylor Swift is the only authority in her life and this culture. Another thing that adds to her authority is the fact that it’s not a band with split decisions it is simply her making decisions. According to Martin, this would qualify as a figure or social position type of authority. There are not absent authority figures within this culture either.
Authenticity
Authenticity claims in the Taylor Swift fan base are not abnormal. Many people claim to be a Swiftie because they like her or her music or both, but there are some stipulations when it comes to who is truly a bigger fan or a better Swiftie. Many people will question another person’s level of dedication or love by asking them if they know certain less popular songs, how many years they have been a fan, or if they own any Taylor Swift merchandise. For example, her song “Enchanted” is becoming really popular on TikTok recently and many long-time Swifties are upset because they believe they have appreciated that song since it came out in 2010 and that now other people are just getting on the bandwagon. On the other hand, I believe the Swiftie culture is very welcoming and loving because they try to emulate Taylor Swift since they believe she is loving and accepting towards all. Just like all other cultures, there will be people to welcome you in, but also others who will question your loyalty and devotion.
Conclusion
The Taylor Swift fan base can be related to Martin’s concepts of legitimation, authority, and authenticity claims in more way than one, which was portrayed above. It, like so many other cultural phenomena, tends to have a central authority figure, things that give the culture merit, and standards of authenticity. It does not take much to consider yourself or be considered a Swiftie, but once you label yourself as such you will have people who expect you to prove it. This is a seriously devoted culture in which everyone is waiting on the edge of their seat for her next move. It is also a long-standing culture with rituals, myths, icons, and beliefs that are in part largely due to the fan base creating these things. Something that is undeniable and that even Taylor Swift herself acknowledges is that she has the fans to thank for her sensational success and where she is today, apart from her exceptional given talent.
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