The ongoing debate surrounding Taylor Swift’s success has raised concerns about racial comparisons in the media, particularly when measuring her achievements against Black icons like Beyoncé. This debate extends to their respective fan bases, the Swifties and the Beyhive, and is further fueled by the recent releases of concert films from both artists.
Swifties Vs. Beyhive
An ongoing debate surrounding Taylor Swift and her success in the music industry has brought attention to white media constantly comparing Swift’s achievements to those of Black icons instead of her white counterparts.
Media comparisons, like Yahoo Finance, tend to pit Queen Bey and the “Bad Blood” singer against each other, despite their unique contributions and accomplishments in the music industry. Furthermore, the comparison extends beyond the pop star’s success. Her fanbase, known as the “Swifties,” has been criticized for spreading racial hate towards Black icons, including Beyoncé.
The rivalry between both fanbases, the Swifties and the Beyhive has fueled the media’s comparison of the two artists, especially with both of them releasing concert films. When it comes to exposure, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are often pitted against each other, and the fact that both have recently debuted major concert films in theaters has only given more platforms for such comparisons.
Separate Lanes
For instance, Beyoncé finds herself the subject of discussions in articles like the one from Yahoo Finance, with the headline, “What Taylor Swift’s Concert Film Success Means For Beyoncé.” Queen Bey is set to release her major film release on Friday, Dec 1, where it is titled RENAISSANCE: A Film By Beyonce.
However, it is crucial to recognize that both chart-topping artists have made their achievements in separate lanes, and comparing them disregards their individual artistry and contributions to the industry.
The history of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s relationship showcases their mutual support and respect. Despite the infamous incident at the 2009 VMAs, where Kanye West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech, Beyoncé showed kindness by inviting Swift on stage to finish her speech during her own award acceptance.
The two artists have always supported one another, especially with their recent appearance together at Taylor Swift’s movie premiere.
Michael Jackson’s Nephew Speaks Out
Fans have expressed their concern over Taylor Swift always being compared to Black artists and not her white counterparts. Swift recently released her concert film, The Eras Tour, on Friday, October 13 grossing $123,505,678 worldwide.
After her record was announced, multiple news outlets reported on Taylor Swift possibly surpassing the late legendary Michael Jackson’s 2009 This Is It documentary film. However, the pop legend’s nephew, Taj Jackson had words for the media outlets that spread the “misinformation,” emphasizing that MJ’s film doesn’t fall within the same category; it’s a documentary film and not a concert film like Swift’s.
Following Taj’s blasting of several media outlets, fans are questioning the media’s choice to constantly compare Swift to Black icons.
One fan wrote, “The media and music/entertainment publications never compare that white woman to legendary white artists. They always compare her to legendary Black artists like Michael Jackson, etc, and that says a lot. Legendary white artists can never be replaced, but our Black legendary artists can.” Another fan wrote, “Her PR team is obsessed with trying to humble black artists. It’s beyond weird at this point!”
What About Madonna, Britney Spears Or Justin Beiber?
They also argue that white artists like Madonna, also known as the Queen of Pop, Britney Spears, and Dua Lipa are rarely compared to Taylor Swift.
Even Justin Bieber, who once held the record for the highest-grossing concert film with Never Say Never in 2011, reaching a staggering $99,033,054 globally, is not as frequently compared to Swift.
Justin’s 2011 film even held the former record for the highest-grossing music concert film since 1984 in the United States. Additionally, Bieber also occupies number two for the highest-grossing concert film, with Taylor Swift claiming the top spot, surpassing over $100 million.
RAYE Faces Fan Backlash After Canceling Show
While white media’s obsession with comparing Taylor Swift to Black icons continues to be a source of controversy, it is essential to address the toxic environment that can emerge from fan culture. This issue extends beyond Swift’s fanbase, as many fandoms engage in toxic behavior and parasocial relationships. Recently, emerging U.K. artist RAYE faced fan backlash when she canceled a show to perform on Jimmy Fallon Tonight.