Summary
- Taylor Swift's fanbase 'Swifties' are fiercely dedicated, showcasing their love for her through various social media platforms.
- Swifties take their devotion to Taylor Swift very seriously, enforcing rules and welcoming newcomers cautiously into their sacred space.
- When Taylor Swift's reputation is threatened, her fanbase takes swift action, defending her against any negative forces in her life.
If one were given the task of trying to choose a face to represent the entertainment industry for the last 20 years, Taylor Swift would absolutely be named as a contender. Swift's career began as a fairytale reminiscent of those she sings about in early songs, beginning her career by singing to modest crowds and shopping her early singles to radio stations herself, to being known as one of the most popular and powerful entertainers in the world.
Her image slowly began appearing on the front pages of magazines, her relatable lyrics often detailing the beauty of and desire for a first and eternal love, and the wanderlust of growing up and living life under an ever-changing color wheel.
There is no doubt her widespread appeal has made her a household name, with a key ingredient almost always at play: Her dedicated 'Swiftie' fanbase.
Updated April 2024: Taylor Swift has never had her Swifties support her more than when she started dating Travis Kelce. Not only did the Swifties show up to football games to catch a glimpse of Swift but they also wholeheartedly supported Kelce. A move that increased his popularity and social media standing incredibly. Swifties have also been there to support Swift on her Eras Tour, and will be purchasing her album "The Tortoured Poets Department".
'Speak Now' Or Never Be A Swiftie
Swifties want to be connected to Taylor Swift at all times and can do so thanks to social media
Taylor Swift's fanbase isn't like any other artists' fanbase, and those who swear by living life as a Swiftie will be the first to make the incredibly important distinction!
Some may view Swifties as being reminiscent of the Beatle-maniacs of yesteryear, but the rapt dedication of Swift's fanbase has an advantage over your grandmother's devotion to those men with the moptops. These days, fans have rapid connection brought on by the world of social media and the glossy technologically savvy advent of interchangeable photo filters, plenty of them used and approved by Swift herself, are just a few ways in which Taylor's 'Swifties' have become one of the most-discussed fanbases in history.
The 'Delicate' Dedication Of Being A Swiftie
New Swifties have to prove their dedication to Taylor Swift
Simply supporting Taylor Swift is not enough; the days of a collective fanbase and experience are gone. 'Swifties' know they have an important mission to carry out; they are all about making sure their queen knows she is loved, and they will stop at nothing to make their love known and make sure their love language is nothing short of unique.
The 'Swiftie' fandom exists within several corners on the internet spanning across multiple social networks. Across the fandom's dedicated network of social media accounts, Swift's fans showcase devotion to their fearless leader much like a cramped and decorated school locker, in anticipation of their individuality acting as a digital footprint, with the ultimate goal of being noticed by Swift, herself.
Despite the strong desire to create a sense of individuality within the fandom, 'Swifties' make a point to let newcomers know they are welcome, but to also remain keenly aware they are entering a sacred space. There are rules, and it is imperative they are followed, and there is always a lingering reminder of how special they are.
The eternal sense of importance in the fandom is validated; Swift interacts with her fanbase through her social media accounts. Urban Dictionary defines the act of 'Taylurking' as "When Taylor Swift stalks her fans on social media."
The Tale Of Taylor Swift's Tumblr
Swifties went after Scooter Braun after Taylor Swift revealed he purchased her masters without her knowing
Taylor Swift's Tumblr activity could be the modern-day equivalent of tracking down a superstar's fan club mailing address in the back of a magazine; the elation felt after receiving an autograph now coming in the form of a heart, like, a notification received by a 'Swiftie' letting them know their idol has 'noticed' them.
Anyone remotely familiar with Swift's fandom and career is aware of her extensive experience with navigating through stressful chapters of her life marked by scandal. One instance where Swifties were on guard to protect their idol originated from a post on Swift's Tumblr account.
In the Summer of 2019, she wrote an open letter to fans informing them of the extensive history of her relationship with Scooter Braun and her label Big Machine Records.
'Swifties' rallied around their favorite singer hours after the news broke. Swift's letter detailed her frustration over Braun's surprise purchase of her masters "As it was announced to the world," and further revealed the extremely negative extent of their relationship, detailing "Incessant, manipulative bullying" by Braun.
Naturally, a sliver of Swift's fandom sprang into action, sending negativity fueled to Braun and members of his family, and a few of his famous clients. Braun publicly sent a message to Swift detailing what had happened and claimed she had been "Silent" amid prior action being taken.
Braun wasn't the only target involved in the incident. Swift's fanbase went after Justin Bieber after he had posted a photo alongside Braun on social media with the caption "Taylor Swift, What Up?" What would be up for Bieber would be having to face the wrath of angry Taylor Swift fans. This instance wouldn't be the first time 'Swifties' would defend their girl against Bieber. He previously poked fun of a candid video featuring Swift recovering from surgery; his wife, Hailey Baldwin-Bieber, got involved as well.
Ballad Of A Taylor Swift Fanbase
Swifties went after a reviewer from Pitchfork who gave folklore a lower score than Swifties believed it deserved
'Stan culture' has long been noted for the negative elements of having a devoted fanbase, a frequent criticism of Swift and her 'Swifties.'
After Swift surprisingly dropped her eighth album folklore to the elation of her fans and met with excitement on Twitter, the record was reviewed by the legendary Pitchfork. The reviewer gave it an 8.0 on the website's famous scale much to the chagrin of some vocal 'Swifties.' The backlash made way for a bigger conversation to happen;
How much is 'too much' when it comes to passionate fandoms?
Regardless, the 'Swiftie' fandom has stuck by their fave through thick and thin and do not seem to be stopping any time soon. The love from Taylor Swift's supporters may be burning red, or tinged with a 'golden' hue; It wouldn't be too surprising if 'Swifties' eventually came to an official conclusion!
