The Polyester Podcast Taylor Swift’s Engagement, Toxic Fandom, And The Death Of The Critic
Aug 31, 2025
In a whirlwind of news, Taylor Swift gets engaged and makes her podcast debut. The hosts dive into the intense fan reactions and the scrutiny that follows. They critique the decline of music journalism, questioning if press tours have become mere sycophantic platforms. Celebrity podcasts and curated vulnerability are examined as reasons for the erosion of critical distance. The discussion touches on the Kardashianification of fame, and the essential role of cultural critics in discerning good art from bad. Buckle up, Swifties!
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Celebrity-Controlled Media Ecosystem
- Taylor Swift exemplifies a trend where mega-stars control their narrative through insular media and curated moments.
- That control reduces space for independent criticism and keeps celebrities 'untouchable' culturally.
Poptimism’s Overcorrection
- The rise of poptimism shifted debate from dismissing pop to uncritical adoration.
- Respect for pop should include rigorous criticism, not conflation with gushing praise.
Why Music Reviews Tend To Praise
- Aggregators and industry changes mean music reviews skew overwhelmingly positive compared with film criticism.
- Economic and structural shifts in journalism reduced incentives for sharp, independent reviews.