This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.
Several of Taylor’s friends supporting her at the VMAs.
Anyone and everyone who keeps up with pop culture has seen Taylor Swift’s ever-expanding girl gang. Whether at the Video Music Awards or baking at home, The Grammy-Award-winning pop star is pretty much always in the presence of her girls, a group which includes Selena Gomez, Karlie Kloss, and Lorde, just to name a few. Whether you’re a fan of Swift’s or not, it’s undeniable that she has a great deal of influence on girls everywhere, and her constantly evolving group has exhibited to girls (and guys) everywhere that friends supporting each other is cool.
In an age where body-shaming and bullying exist, often geared toward girls from other girls, friendships like Taylor’s do a great deal to promote the idea of young women supporting each other. Each of the girls have incredibly successful careers within their own fields, which proves that girls can show support to each other and still be successful.
While many view Taylor and her friends as the epitome of friendship goals, some people such as Edward Droste of rockband “Grizzly Bear” go so far to call the group a “cult.” It’s oh so typical for individuals these days to choose to view something positive like friendship to something negative like parading exclusivity. I, however, think that flaunting friends should be something to be proud of and the message of support and encouragement these girls are sending out there is fantastic.
So, go ahead, tag your next Insta pic with your group of friends (which doesn’t have to be gender exclusive) with #girlgang and/or #squadgoals, because friendship will never go out of style (not even in your wildest dreams).