If you didn’t attend the Women’s March in DC, you aren’t a real feminist.
At least that’s how women treat Taylor Swift. The singer chose not to attend the March in DC, but did send out a Tweet supporting those who did. Even though Swift’s music and message lately is all about celebrating yourself and prioritizing your girl squad over guys, she can’t seem to catch a break.
Women around the world were outraged with Swift’s absence at the March and took to social media, claiming she isn’t a “real” feminist and doesn’t do enough.
“She has a voice. She has a platform. I wish she would have used them both,” read a Tweet. “You got a bad leg or something? Why didn’t you March?” read another.
In reality, women-on-women hate isn’t going to help us reach equality, and that includes Swift shaming. We should build each other up, not tear each other down. Preaching equality and girl power then bashing another women for not doing the same as you isn’t helping anyone. Taylor Swift never said she disagrees with the feminist message or dismissed the March. Her 2016 Grammy acceptance speech talked about the importance of owning your own success and doing what you love, regardless of what other people tell you. Feminist icons like Lena Dunham publically admire Swift. Clearly, Swift is supportive of the feminist movement and women making their own choices. Why should she have to march in DC to prove it?
Furthermore, plenty of other feminist celebrities did not attend the March. While it’s AWESOME celebs like Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, and Amy Schuemer went out to DC, some celebs, including Beyonce, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence didn’t attend. Their choice to not be in DC doesn’t make them any less feminist than those who did.
We can’t be certain why Swift didn’t attend the March. She may have had a prior commitment, personal things going on, or even just been feeling sick. We don’t know her story, so we can’t assume she didn’t care about the March.
I myself did not attend the March, but that doesn’t make me any less of a feminist. I believe all people, regardless of gender, are equal, but do I have to travel hundreds of miles to prove that?
Feminism means getting to make choices for yourself, and not letting others (cough cough men) make them for you. Swift, and thousands of other feminists, chose to not attend the March. As fellow feminists, we need to respect that choice and acknowledge that everyone is in different places in their feminist journey. Marching in DC is not the only way to fight for equality, and I respect Swift’s decision to not attend.