Knew she was troubleKnew she was trouble

Cultural critic calls Taylor Swift a ‘Nazi Barbie’

Camille Paglia says singer’s use of friends ‘as performance props’ in the media reminds her of ‘fascist blondes’ of her youth

Taylor Swift (YouTube screen capture)
Taylor Swift (YouTube screen capture)

American social critic Camille Paglia called singer Taylor Swift a “Nazi Barbie” and said she reminded her of “fascist blondes” of the past.

In a feminist critique in The Hollywood Reporter of the “girl squad” phenomenon — a recent trend of celebrity female friend groups who endlessly document their shared exploits — Paglia explains that, while not necessarily evil, the phenomenon could reinforce negative stereotypes.

“In our wide-open modern era of independent careers, girl squads can help women advance if they avoid presenting a silly, regressive public image — as in the tittering, tongues-out mugging of Swift’s bear-hugging posse. Swift herself should retire that obnoxious Nazi Barbie routine of wheeling out friends and celebrities as performance props.”

She went on: “Writing about Taylor Swift is a horrific ordeal for me because her twinkly persona is such a scary flashback to the fascist blondes who ruled the social scene during my youth.”

Camille Paglia (Facebook)
Camille Paglia (Facebook)

Paglia did not go into detail on why she considered Swift’s behavior to be “Nazi” and “fascist” in nature.

At any rate, she concluded that “for women to leave a lasting mark on culture, they need to cut down on the socializing and focus like a laser on their own creative gifts.”

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