Images: Instagram/taylorswift/killatrav
If you haven’t been living under a rock these past few weeks, you would know that Taylor Swift apparently has a new beau in NFL player Travis Kelce. The two have taken the world by storm, letting the swifties live vicariously through her. However, the outcome of this apparent relationship hasn’t all been positive. The paraosocial tendencies and underlying racism towards Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole, have made the situation very interesting to observe. Here is what Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship accidentally showed us as a society.
Parasocial relationships are at an all-time high
I’m all for getting excited about something, and we all love, love. However, the investment in ‘Traylors’ relationship is almost unheard of. The level of interest and personal attachment many fans and spectators have has been interesting to witness. It’s almost as if the happiness of the couple relates to their own even though they do not know these people in real life. Claiming them as endgame and overanalyzing the two photos we have of the pair. It’s exciting to see Taylor happy, but maintaining a healthy parasocial relationship is crucial.
White woman feminism
Just a few months ago, Taylor was romantically linked to the controversial Matty Healy. He made racist jokes, and insensitive comments, and overall rubbed people the wrong way. Many people questioned Taylor’s involvement with him and her willingness to associate with such behavior simply because it didn’t affect her directly. Criticized for coming for any man who hurt her, yet was okay dating one. Many fans share this same behavior either consciously or subconsciously, with their treatment of Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole who is a black unproblematic influencer. She never commented on the pair, yet many fans came after her. “He really upgraded.” “He didn’t want to settle with her but he will with Taylor.” “Trashy to classy.” “He’s finally with another successful woman.” Those are just a few of the comments via social media. Some even were flat-out racist to Nicole, claiming he would never settle down with a black woman. Of course, this is not all fans, as I consider myself a fan of Swift and don’t think this way. However, a large majority of the fan base will fight these fights for Taylor in the name of feminism, but turn around and do it to another woman.
Switch up
The Swift effect. No one is safe. The media’s obsession with Swift’s love life and staying in the Swifties’ good graces leaves very little room for commentary. The minute Taylor isn’t actively co-signing something or someone, the media seems to flip without question. Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn of six years was the self-proclaimed ‘father’ of the Swifties. They were very private and Swifties loved it. “He respects her privacy.” “He wants to protect her from the media.” “He really cares about the real her, not the pop star.” He was praised for maintaining a low profile. Then, after the split he was crucified for not letting her live her best “bejeweled” lifestyle. Many believe Travis does though. “He’s not intimated by her fame.” “He doesn’t want to hide her.” Despite Swift asking for privacy herself while with Alwyn, fans seem to believe that her man at the time completely dictated that decision. Isn’t claiming that a woman cannot make a conscious decision without being swayed by a man, anti-feminist?
Overall, I hope Swift and Kelce are very happy whether that is together or apart. Living vicariously through your favorite celebrities is fun and can bring people together. However, it is important to watch biases, speak out about toxic behaviors, and try to promote an online discourse that’s as positive as possible.
About The Author
