PSA: Don’t read if you’re triggered by Taylor being on the NFL or by the Barbie movie.

Recently, I was in a bar with my friends and a Taylor Swift music video was playing on the TV (which we loved). A guy came up to try to start conversation and said, “I don’t really like Taylor Swift, she gets way too much airtime. I wonder how much she pays the NFL to get herself on the TV so often”. Safe to say, it wasn’t the best strategy to start conversation, and we didn’t talk much more after that, but it did kick start this blog post as soon as I got home, so that’s a plus. Now, this post isn’t going be a total bash to boys, ok? We love boys, and that poor boy was probably nervous coming up to a group of girls like that. He probably saw we liked Taylor Swift based on the way we reacted to her song coming on and created what he thought was a great talking point, but let’s talk about why it’s a big red flag (and a common one) that he wanted to start a conversation/debate about Taylor swift being shown on the NFL.

2023 was a year for the girls. It was full of women supporting women and being confident and having fun. It was about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the Barbie movie, and encouraging girls to love being girls. I loved the energy and I hope we all keep it going in 2024. Now, to paint a full picture of the red flag mentioned earlier, we have to also talk about Barbie (honestly any excuse to). This movie was the prime example of lifting women up while kind of making fun of men in the process, but not offending them or being aggressive (hopefully like this blog post). America Ferrera’s speech was a beautiful depiction of women, and what many women feel, but can’t say. Barbie depicted how it feels to be lost, feel the pressure of society, and how it feels to be in a world that often favors men. When I left the theater after seeing Barbie, I never thought there would be confusion or controversy surrounding the movie. I thought Greta Gerwig did a great job lifting women up without tearing men down, but of course, many men didn’t feel the same way.

I saw countless reviews and tik toks (reliable sources, I know) created talking about how offensive it was and how it wasn’t “fair” men were painted in a negative light, proving the movie went right over their heads. Of course, this was seen on a public stage at the Golden Globes when Jo Koy (the host no one knows) mentioned the movie being about a doll with big boobs and basically pointed out everything the movie was trying to represent (an extreme example for sure), but seriously?? Again, when Ryan Gosling (who does not fall into this red flag category) was nominated for best actor and best song while Margot Robbie was dismissed. Anyways boys, it’s just not about you- this one was for the girls. And even though it hurt many boys’ feelings when Barbie didn’t want the guitar played at her by Ken, I don’t think Greta or Margo will be apologizing anytime soon.  

Now, back to Taylor. The same men who are upset about Barbie are the men who don’t like Ms. Swift appearing on their TVs during Sunday Night Football, and the number of men upset is a ridiculous amount. I am fully aware not everyone loves, let alone likes, Taylor Swift. That’s not what this is about, though. You don’t have to throw a temper tantrum if shots of her cheering for her boyfriend are shown by the NFL even if you are not a fan. The NFL is showing the biggest pop star in the world because it’s interesting she’s there and that she’s dating one of the best tight ends in the country. She’s not trying to steal the show or take over the football game. She’s trying to be there for her boyfriend.

And yes, the girls are freaking out that she’s there, that doesn’t mean these men have to hate on it, and it doesn’t affect the game. If anything, these boys should be happy about how many women are educating themselves on football. Between Alix Earle, Alison Kuch, and Taylor Swift, we are very educated on the characters in the NFL. And, why would someone waste emotions on Taylor being shown during a football game – probably because they are trying to prove something or protect “their” football or go against what the majority is thinking/wanting/celebrating, or the most dramatic answer: they’re upset about women being in their space. And, I know, it’s all a little dramatic to base someone’s character on their feelings about this, but it’s just a thought, and I don’t think I am too far off.  Anyways, the girls are just having fun. We’re here to support each other, and to talk about Taylor Swift. And all this to say, I believe that how a man feels about the Barbie movie and about Taylor Swift being shown by the NFL is a reflection of how they view women in general. And if that’s true, girls, it’s a red flag we need to be aware of. So next time a boy comes up to you in the bar, let’s test the waters (it’s not setting the bar too high). Don’t be weird and just ask how they feel about Taylor Swift (That will make you a red flag), but definitely don’t be afraid to feel it out because the ones who have these opinions are the vocal ones.

By the way, I know a lot of boys who loved Barbie, and who don’t yell at the TV when Taylor appears. I’m sure Travis Kelce liked Barbie, and I’m sure Ryan Gosling (aka Ken) would attend the Era’s tour. So, girls, let’s keep lifting each other up, learning how to be a girl’s girl, and watching out for those red flags.