Is Taylor Swift the Barbie of this Era?

Taylor Swift and Barbie are intuitively similar. Just look at the enchanting coincidences - both are stereotypical bombshells with blue (or green) eyes and enviable body shape squeezed into shiny and dreamy outfits.

I wouldn't label myself as a Swiftie, but I can’t deny her status as an indisputable music queen of our era. She started to catch my attention when her "The Eras Tour" began this year, with her concert photos and video clips flooding in my social media feeds. I was like oh my stars! Look at her outfits and the radiant vibes she brings on stage! Just couldn’t find any words to express how I was flabbergasted. Then, this summer, Gretta Gerwig's dropped unto the world a bomb called "Barbie", pulling countless girls like me into a whirlwind of fluorescent pink euphoria. And somehow, I don’t know when, the images of Barbie and Taylor Swift started to seamlessly blend in my mind.

Beyond their visual impact, they share some other things in common – the box office appeal, showcasing the undeniable power of female economy. Barbie’s top global box office performance in 2023 is solid proof, and so is Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" that generated $1.04 billion in global revenue (according to Pollstar) with estimated final sales or over $2 billion. It's safe to say that every city Taylor Swift graced with her presence experienced an economic windfall. In the current global economic slowdown, "Barbie" and "The Eras Tour" emerge as two shining beacons, highlighting the significant contributions women make in the entertainment industry generating economic vitality in their respective industries.

But wait, there's more! The true connection between Taylor Swift and Barbie is that the cultural weight they carry has evolved over time. Barbie had been the face of fashion dolls for generations since its origin dating back to 1959, but now girls transitioning into adolescence simply can’t wait to wave goodbye as a way of quickly getting rid of the gender stereotypes woven into these dolls. Mattel's attempts to keep up with the trend by diversifying Barbies had minimal impact; at least girls in my circles didn’t buy it. Until this summer, Barbie underwent a cultural metamorphosis under Gretta Gerwig's magic touch, evolving into a symbol of feminist ideals.

In contrast to Barbie, Taylor Swift's feminist vibe is not something that erupted in 2023 but that has been with her all the time. For example, in recent years, she regained ownership of her old works by re-recording her albums, boldly fought back against Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights through her music and political activism... But, but! Few people (me as well) knew that such rebellious spirit was not as evident in her early music works. At that time when she first debuted, she was more of a sweetheart in American country music, immersed in the purity culture that was popular among young celebrities.

Here's the beautiful twist – the disdain for gender norms and the empowering rebellious spirit of Taylor and Barbie didn't spring up overnight; it's been a journey of evolution, a resilient momentum. This connection makes them dance together in harmony in my perception.

Amidst all the grand discussions about their significance, let me offer a personal touch. In my childhood, I was all about pink and shiny things, just like any kid drawn to beautiful visuals. However, as I stepped into elementary school, pink became synonymous with girlishness, prompting me to steer clear of anything pink, shiny, or revealing. Looking back, I realized I lost more than just the joy of aesthetic beauty; I lost a part of myself. Because behind the rejection of those things, there was a self-loathing rooted in internalized misogyny.

This summer, gearing up for "Barbie," I boldly picked up a pink outfit for the first time in over two decades. To attend Taylor's concert movie, I grabbed a shiny jumpsuit. Taylor and Barbie, for me, symbolize a journey of rediscovering and reclaiming my perception and power. They encourage me to bravely embrace the qualities of being a woman, instead of avoiding, hating, or feeling ashamed of them.