Taylor Swift is no longer a 13-year-old girl vying for attention, and the world needs to recognize that. In the recently released Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” Swift explains how much she has grown in her music and in herself.
Swift introduces the film by saying her entire belief system, since she started performing, was to seek the approval of others, trying in every way for the applause of her audience to fill her up with happiness. As an entertainer, she followed this mindset until the opinions of others took a toll on her. The moment in 2009 when Kanye West stepped on stage and interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech was one of the most formative moments in her life. Not realizing that, in that moment, the boos were aimed at West, Swift, in her mind, had to fight back the love of everyone.
She goes through the process of “winning” back fans through her music, but then it seemed like history was repeating itself. Swift decided to take time to herself to deconstruct what she had followed and believed in for a decade. Eventually, she found happiness that wasn’t based on anyone’s thoughts, but focused more on her own version of true bliss. Although the trials and heartaches and challenges never really left Swift, she was in a place that forced her to come to terms with everything and come clean about her feelings.
After watching the documentary, the problems addressed by Swift, while personal, are not only seen in the entertainment business. Struggling with self-love, respect, finding a voice, and standing up for what is right is commonly seen all over the world. In this day and age, women are still fighting for individuality, safety, and an even playing field. A female can be a feminist and still be a stay-at-home mother. A female can have children and still appreciate the movement of her choice. The hardest part about watching “Miss Americana,” wasn’t seeing Swift build her true self from the ground up, it was recognizing that some of the issues she faced are hurting others and can be applied to women everywhere.
I, myself, have been a long time Swiftie, so this film was everything I could have asked for. Not only does the audience get to know the inner thoughts of THE Taylor Swift, but they also get to see how real of a person she is. As she becomes honest with herself in being a strong adult woman, Swift recognizes that she can no longer be kept quiet. She recognizes that she is powerful and her voice is important. Sharing her personal story with the world brings the world closer to her, but also brings the world closer to real-life struggles that all women face.