Taylor became part of the family’: Swiftie parents and kids on how her music brought them together
- Wonjeong Hong
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
Article Summary
The article examines the influence of “The Queen of Pop” by Taylor Swift, who connects the family and generations with her music. It introduces various cases where Taylor Swift’s music helped bond and improve family relationships. The story of an Australian swiftie, Damien, who has two teenage daughters, was first introduced at the start. He expressed how much he and his family love Taylor Swift in response to the Guardian Australia’s live blog of Taylor Swift’s first Melbourne concert.
Damien recalls that the family started to explore Taylor Swift’s music and who she is as a person after hearing Shake It Off in the car when the girls were only two and four. Taylor Swift has naturally blended into the family’s daily life and became a part of their culture. They exchange friendship bracelets, throw listening parties when Taylor Swift drops a new album, and prepare outfits for the concert. Demian even told the two girls they were going to a Taylor Swift concert in Singapore as a Christmas gift.
Damien admires how Taylor Swift is a once-in-a-generation artist like the Beatles. He has seen lots of music trends come and go in his life, but he feels Taylor Swift is something special. He and his daughters think of Taylor Swift as a positive impact on their family and a great and humble person who is a great role model for the girls.
Taylor Swift has also been a positive influence on Kat and her young teenage daughter, Zoe, in Brisbane. Zoe has a rare kidney disease that required multiple surgeries between 2017 and 2018. Taylor Swift’s music supported Zoe throughout her recovery process and strengthened Kat and Zoe’s relationship.
Furthermore, Belle, a single mom with two daughters, Billie and Kit, in Canberra, shared how remarkable Taylor Swift is to her family. She became their common interest and the great gift of their family. Belle believes that Taylor is a great feminist role model who can connect to all ages. Not only to Belle, Taylor Swift has also been an excellent tool for generational connection in another single mom, Kerrie’s family.
From Ala and her seven-year-old daughter in Sydney to Rachel with parents who are in their 60s, the article ends by exploring and introducing how Taylor Swift has provided such special moments and memories for diverse forms of family all across the world.
Reflection
Although I am more of a classic rock enthusiast than a fan of modern pop music, Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists in the current music industry. A Bloomberg reporter, Augusta Saravia, coined the term “Swiftonomics” in 2022, describing the numerous economic impacts of Taylor Swift’s music and Tour. According to Bloomberg, Taylor Swift grossed around $13 million after each Eras tour. In addition, her tours and concerts have also boosted local economies by increasing travel and tourism. The online research from Question Pro estimated that the average money Eras tour attendees spend is $1327.74. Her influence is not just limited to music but also ranges broadly to economics.
Her cultural impact can be easily observed in daily life. Many of the teenage girls around me enjoy listening to her music and participating in her fan culture, such as making friendship bracelets or going to The Eras Tour. She is like a cultural syndrome among teenage girls. The Swifties arguing with the teacher, who brings up the rumor or gossip about her, and people wearing hoodies with Eras tour logos drawn are scenes commonly seen in the era of Taylor Swift. It is truly amazing to see her cultural achievements that help bond the generations and community as a pop star.
Besides being influential economically and culturally, Taylor Swift is a good role model. She openly voiced her opinion and advocated for social issues like LGBTQ+ rights and body positivity. Taylor also generously donated to charities for the betterment of the community and society.
Despite all her positive effects and unmeasurable popularity, she also faces a large number of criticisms at the same time. The biggest critique that she has been getting is about her environmental impact. In 2023, she produced 138 tons of carbon dioxide through her private jet in three months, more than eight times the average American's. She also got blamed for only caring about feminism issues when it benefits her and commented that her music and art are overrated.
As written above, some splitting and controversial opinions about Taylor Swift exist. However, the fact that she is a significant icon and artist in the 21st-century music industry will never change. All of her journey and success are especially important, considering how it was reported that the glass ceiling and disadvantages for female artists in the music industry still exist.
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