Sigmund Freud, the Austrian psychoanalyst, introduced the concept of the death wish, or “Thanatos,” as a fundamental drive within the human psyche. According to Freud, this death drive manifests as an unconscious desire to return to a state of inertness, seeking relief from the struggles and conflicts of life. It’s a compelling idea, albeit a dark one, that suggests a hidden inclination towards self-destruction and chaos.
If Freud were around today, he might find himself intrigued—or perhaps bemused—by my recent decision to write an op-ed criticising Taylor Swift. One could almost suggest, somewhat humorously, that I must have a death wish. The reaction was brutal; Swifties attacked me with the viciousness of Islamic extremists who had just witnessed the burning of the Quran. They declared jihad. I received inordinate amounts of hateful emails, with some suggesting I should kill myself.
My writing was labeled misogynistic and sexist. However, I am here to clarify that my intention was not to promote such views but rather to provoke critical thinking on the concept of role models in society.
One of the key points that drew criticism was my mention of Swift’s age, marital status, and lack of children. I posited that role models should embody qualities that are worthy of emulation in every aspect of their lives. By questioning whether society would benefit from having more unmarried and childless women in their mid-30s, I aimed to highlight broader societal trends, such as declining birth rates and an aging population in the Western world.
I also scrutinised Swift’s encouragement of her fans to challenge the social order by shouting “fuck the patriarchy.” I found this ironic given her romantic history with rich, white, powerful, straight men, the very group often associated with the patriarchy. The patriarchal model, as defined by feminist theorists with a penchant for misandry, is a societal structure where men hold the majority of power, occupying key positions in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and property ownership.
This system is often exemplified by the archetype of the “strong, powerful, white man,” who enjoys all the privileges without paying any price. Now, please take a look at the men she has dated. Is Swift helping or harming the so-called patriarchy by getting intimate with wealthy white men with more money than God? The evidence speaks for itself. I argued, and still argue, that good role models should strive to embody the values they promote and avoid hypocrisy. A shocking take in 2024, it seems.
Many of the aggrieved objected to my desire to discuss Swift’s “revolving door of relationships.” Why focus on this? Because it’s important. That’s why. Even if Miriam O’Callaghan thinks otherwise. Societal attitudes towards promiscuity differ based on gender, with men often praised for having multiple sexual partners while women face harsh judgment. This double standard is evident in cultural perceptions, as highlighted by the contrasting terms used to describe men and women who engage in promiscuous behavior. In Ireland, a man who sleeps with different women is often called a playboy, a stud, or in some parts of the country, a “legend.” Now, I ask, what is a woman who engages in similar behavior called? I’ll let you answer that for yourself. Is it fair? Of course, it’s not fair. But I didn’t write the rules. I am simply pointing out some cold, hard truths.
Moreover, the societal consequences of promiscuity are not uniform for men and women, with studies indicating that women are more adversely affected on a psychological level. Recognizing these gender disparities is crucial to understanding the complex dynamics of sexual behavior and societal expectations. It is not misogynistic or sexist to point out these facts. Men and women are not the same. Blame the patriarchy. Blame biology. But don’t blame the person who simply acknowledges reality.
Which brings us back to claims of misogyny and sexism. These terms have, in recent times, been weaponised to discredit individuals, often used to shut down debate or criticism, regardless of the actual context or intent behind their statements. These labels can be employed strategically to silence dissenting voices by implying deep-seated hatred or bias against women, thereby undermining the person’s credibility and moral standing without engaging with the substantive arguments they present. This tactic leverages social stigma around sexism and misogyny to delegitimize opponents and avoid addressing the merits of their position.
To be clear, I was not attacking Taylor Swift. Not then, and not now.
I said it in the piece, and I’ll say it again: The American has many admirable qualities. However, these qualities don’t make her a good role model. Why? Because, in line with the philosophies of great thinkers like Socrates and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, she fails the role model test.
Rousseau, a philosopher of the Enlightenment era, emphasised authenticity and moral integrity in his works. He argued that individuals should strive to be true to themselves and act in accordance with their inner principles. For Rousseau, a good role model is someone whose actions align with their professed values and beliefs, demonstrating sincerity and consistency in their conduct. By chanting “fuck the patriarchy,” Swift failed to live up to Rousseau’s vision of what a proper role model looks like.
Similarly, Plato, in his dialogues, often portrayed Socrates as a model of philosophical inquiry and ethical conduct. Socrates’ emphasis on self-examination, truth-seeking, and moral integrity underscored the idea that a good role model should practice what they preach. Plato’s writings suggest that genuine wisdom and virtue are reflected not only in words but also in actions, serving as a guide for others to emulate.
Although Swift has not explicitly declared herself a role model, she has been perceived as one by many commentators, both before and after my op-ed. To all those Swift-lovers out there, by all means, continue to enjoy her music and attend her concerts. However, when it comes to looking for a true role model, perhaps it’s worth considering someone other than Ms. Swift. Cue the backlash.
Source link : https://gript.ie/i-criticised-taylor-swift-all-hell-broke-loose/
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Publish date : 2024-07-09 08:57:10
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