Writing Project #3
Resolved to Write: What Do You Imagine Having To Say - And How Will You Say It?
Part One:
In the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry, critiquing public figures has become a prevalent and sometimes controversial aspect of the discourse. One figure who has garnered extensive attention from media outlets is the globally renowned singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift. As one of the most influential musicians of our time, Swift’s life, career, and creative work have been dissected, discussed, and analyzed in countless ways. While much of this is because media outlets are obligated to cover her success, a substantial portion of the narrative surrounding Swift critiques her image aside from her music. This broader commentary has significantly shaped her public persona over the years, leading to an oscillation in general opinion from favorable to critical, and back to favorable on numerous occasions. Delving into the multifaceted dynamics of media critique surrounding Taylor Swift will probe the target audiences, potential benefits, and consequences that accompany such discussions, and ultimately, decipher why media outlets find it advantageous to engage in such critiques in the first place.
Media outlets that critique Taylor Swift are looking to attract members of Swift’s fan base. They have a well-defined target audience in mind that they are looking to draw to their viewer/readership, one that mirrors the intricate demographic and psychographic dimensions of Swift’s fan base, the “Swifties.” According to a Morning Consult survey, 45% of avid Swifties fall within the millennial age range (27 to 42) (Dellatto). Importantly, Swift’s fans are not confined to any one gender, with 48% being male and 52% female, from which one can infer that media outlets are looking to engage both genders (Dellatto). The psychographic characteristics of this audience are equally compelling. Swift’s music, performances, and music videos play an integral role in the loyalty of her fan base, with 73% of major fans citing her music as a driving force of their support (Dellatto). Swifties also value her relatability and the authenticity she projects, making them eager participants in the conversations that media critiques often generate.
Millennials represent a particularly sought-after audience for media outlets due to their distinctive societal and economic influence. As one of the largest generational segments, millennials hold substantial purchasing power and shape societal trends, including those within the media industry. Their significance in media’s agenda-setting effects becomes evident when one considers the ways in which factors like age, education, living area, and political ideology impact public perception, particularly through the media (Vu). Moreover, this demographic has a high degree of engagement with digital platforms and social media, making them a prime target for media outlets seeking to amplify their reach and impact. Their influence extends beyond consumerism, as they often serve as catalysts for discussions on contemporary issues and pop culture. Given the significant number of millennials in the world today, media outlets recognize the importance of attracting them - but this group can be ardent supporters, or powerful vocal critics.
The power and influence of the Swifties within the realm of pop culture and the music industry cannot be overstated. Recent data paints a vivid picture of the economic powerhouse that Swifties represent. Research from QuestionPro, as reported by CNN, suggests that Swift’s latest tour is estimated to gross an astounding $2.2 billion in North American ticket sales, and this doesn't even account for the resale market, where fans are willing to spend thousands of dollars (Hur). According to Fortune, this tour has the potential to generate a staggering $4.6 billion in U.S. consumer spending (Gaines). In various tour stops, Swifties are reported to have spent 4-5 times the typical rate on hotels, travel, and food for every $100 spent on tickets (Gaines). And as Chris Leyden, Director of Growth Marketing at SeatGeek, aptly put it, “Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ tour is rewriting the playbook of entertainment economics” (Hur). And that’s all because the Swifties are a devoted, passionate, and highly engaged fan base. Their formidable presence on social media platforms and their capacity to mobilize in defense of their idol or to critique dissenting voices are forces to be reckoned with. Swifties’ collective influence extends to shaping narratives, with their vocal responses often dictating how a Swift-related controversy unfolds within the media landscape.
One of the foremost advantages of covering Taylor Swift and attracting her ardent supporters lies in the elevated visibility and influence that these positively engaged millennials can bestow upon media outlets. The content generated through this coverage tends to draw viewers, readers, and listeners who are not only intrigued by Swift herself, but also by the discourse surrounding her. Consequently, media outlets can experience a notable uptick in their viewership or readership numbers, thereby bolstering their standing within the competitive landscape of the media industry. For individuals within the realm of commentary, criticism, or content creation, talking about Swift in any capacity serves as a platform to showcase their expertise and establish themselves as notable voices within their respective fields. In essence, covering Swift elevates their status, contributes to their career growth, and increases their potential for professional success. Because of this, Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the United States, is offering a reporting job solely for Taylor Swift coverage (Medina). This opening is a response to Swift’s immense influence and fan enthusiasm, showcased by Swift’s record-breaking tours and the economic influence of her fan base. Financial rewards are a significant motivation for media outlets, and the attention garnered by positive coverage often results in enhanced monetization opportunities. Increased engagement and viewership translate into a more lucrative advertising landscape, with media outlets benefiting from higher ad revenue and potential sponsorship opportunities. Content creators, be they established pundits or up-and-coming voices, can capitalize on their growing audiences to secure brand partnerships and endorsement deals.
While it might seem counterintuitive, inciting the ire of Taylor Swift’s formidable fan base can also carry benefits for media outlets. A critical aspect of critiquing Swift is the deliberate provocation of strong reactions, like anger, from Swifties. Media outlets may consciously choose to challenge or criticize aspects of Swift’s work, image, or actions, aiming to spark heated debates on their platforms. This controversy often generates extensive attention, driving viewership, readership, and social media engagement. The calculated gamble of eliciting negative reactions is rooted in the understanding that these reactions can serve as a catalyst for spirited discussions, ultimately drawing even more attention and amplifying the discourse. This was displayed when comedian Jenny Johnson called Swift “annoying” on FOX News in 2013 (Only90sKids). Her seemingly offhand comment was enough to trigger a robust response from Swift’s legion of fans. Swifties rallied together in fervent support of their beloved idol, demonstrating the unyielding loyalty that characterizes this fan base. Swifties swiftly (pun intended) took to social media platforms, especially Twitter, to passionately defend Swift’s reputation and counter the criticism directed towards her. What ensued was a wave of conversations, hashtags, and trending topics that rippled across the digital landscape, generating substantial engagement and amplifying the discourse surrounding Taylor Swift. These impassioned discussions became another newsworthy topic for media outlets to cover in an era where viral content reigns supreme.
In the age of social media and the relentless sway of celebrity culture, media critique takes on a more pervasive role. The platforms and tools available in this digital era amplify the reach of these critiques, with opinions and discussions traveling at lightning speed. The implications are manifold; media critique is capable of shaping public narratives, influencing public opinion, and even impacting an artist’s career and public image, as can be seen through Taylor Swift’s experiences.
Works Cited:
Dellatto, Marisa. “More Than Half Of U.S. Adults Say They’re Taylor Swift Fans, Survey Finds.” Forbes, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2023/03/14/more-than-half-of-us-adults-say-theyre-taylor-swift-fans-survey-finds/?sh=fc3530168773.
Gaines, Cork. “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Helped the US Economy — We Need Her Stateside.” Business Insider, Insider, 17 Sept. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-helped-us-economy-2023-9#:~:text=Data%20from%20the%20research%20company%20QuestionPro%20obtained%20by%20Fortune%20estimates,4%2D5X%20the%20typical%20rate.
Hur, Krystal, and Bryan Mena. “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Could Become the Highest Grossing Tour of All Time | CNN Business.” CNN, CNN, 17 Aug. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/17/business/taylor-swift-eras-tour-two-billion/index.html.
“Jenny Johnson - Taylor Swift Comments - March 2013.” YouTube, uploaded by Only90sKids, 2 Feb 2020,
Medina, Eduardo. “Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Get Their Own Press Corps.” The New York Times, 13 Sept. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/business/media/taylor-swift-reporter-gannett.html.
Vu, Hong T, et al. “What influences media effects on public perception? A cross-national study of comparative agenda setting.” The International Communication Gazette, vol. 81, no. 6–8, 2019, pp. 580–601, https://doi.org/10.1177/1748048518817652.
Part Two:
I chose to use an analytical essay to dissect the intricate dynamics of media critique, particularly in the context of Taylor Swift. This was a decision rooted in the genre’s unique strengths and suitability for in-depth exploration. Analytical essays are renowned for their structured format, making them an ideal choice for discussing multifaceted subjects and conducting rigorous examinations of complex topics. In the case of media criticism and Taylor Swift, the complexities surrounding Swift’s public image and the implications of media scrutiny are far from straightforward. This genre provided a robust framework to dive into these intricacies.
The analytical essay genre places a premium on objectivity, critical analysis, and the utilization of evidence to substantiate arguments. It offered a structured framework that allowed for the systematic exploration of key aspects of media critique, making it an ideal genre to utilize for my purpose. An analytical essay’s format includes an introduction that sets the stage, logically progressing body paragraphs, and a concluding section that synthesizes the key findings, providing a coherent and well-rounded analysis. I thought that its academic and formal tone was well-suited to discuss the nuances of media critique and to present my arguments in a clear and systematic manner.
In crafting this analytical essay, I meticulously adhered to the established conventions that characterize this genre. Central to these conventions was the cultivation of a formal and academic tone, a cornerstone of the analytical essay's communicative approach. The use of this formal tone served to underscore the seriousness and intellectual rigor of the analysis, creating a sense of authority and objectivity in discussing the intricate dynamics of media critique concerning Taylor Swift. Additionally, I incorporated the genre’s standard elements, such as an introduction that succinctly framed the analysis. I made sure to conclude this paragraph with a closing sentence encompassing the topics of each body paragraph that would follow, so my readers would have a grasp of what my essay would cover. In each logically sequenced body paragraph, I covered a different facet of my overall argument, intending to provide multiple examples that helped explain my intentions. Lastly, I constructed a concluding section that summarized the whole essay, resulting in a methodical presentation of the subject matter. Implementing these stylistic and structural conventions properly was pivotal in ensuring that my analytical essay effectively conveyed its insights while maintaining the genre’s characteristic rigor and precision.
Analytical essay writers generally tailor their content to engage a diverse range of audiences. These essays are designed to appeal not only to scholars and academics but also to a broader readership, including students and the general public. They strike a balance between providing in-depth analysis for those with expertise in the subject matter and offering clear explanations and accessible language for those who are less familiar with the topic. This flexibility allows analytical essays to bridge the gap between specialized and lay audiences, making complex ideas comprehensible and relevant to a wide spectrum of readers.
In terms of my essay specifically, my intended audience was a mix of academic and intellectually curious readers passionate about understanding the motivations of media outlets. I also wanted this piece to appeal to Taylor Swift fans to help them understand their power in relation to the media and public opinion. By addressing these distinct yet interconnected groups, my primary objective was to offer a nuanced perspective on the intricate motivations, far-reaching implications, and significant influences that underlie media critique. I also wanted to explore the symbiotic relationship between media outlets and influential figures like Taylor Swift, shedding light on how the media’s agenda often aligns with broader societal forces and power structures. I sought to empower Taylor Swift’s fanbase, enlightening them on their role in this dynamic and encouraging critical thinking about the media’s portrayal of their idol.
The art of genre selection plays a pivotal role in shaping the effectiveness of a written piece. An analytical essay, chosen for its structured framework and ability to facilitate in-depth exploration, offers a suitable genre for dissecting the complexities of media critique surrounding public figures like Taylor Swift. This genre aligns with the analytical nature of the subject matter and allows for a rigorous examination of motivations, implications, and target audiences. In this context, the analytical essay genre serves as a powerful tool for comprehending the multifaceted dynamics of media critique in the age of social media and celebrity culture, ultimately shedding light on the intricacies of genre selection in written communication.