Taylor Swift experienced a period of public backlash in 2016. Her Instagram comments were filled with snake emojis. Her defiant album, Reputation, marked her return in 2017, achieving widespread success. She's adept at turning an insult around—and she's just done so for the "girlboss" label.
Have you aimed too high in your ambitious endeavors? She belts out on "Cancelled!", from her newest record The Life of a Showgirl, "Did they catch you having too much fun?" The song apparently speaks to a friend of the pop star who is facing widespread public condemnation, according to Swift's remarks when introducing the track during her [[IN LINE_1]] weekend launch celebration event. Swift extended that feeling to all her fans: “When people gossip about you in your hometown or you encounter negative remarks on Instagram, you can She explained that she felt as though she had been ostracized by any form of public disapproval.
The "girlboss" lyric caught me by surprise when I first heard it. For those of us immersed in the world of female entrepreneurship, a certain word likely triggers lingering echoes of past trauma. However, Swift has consistently possessed a touch of the melodramatic, keenly recognizing both shifts in our society and her own position within them. Despite not fully grasping the specifics of Away and Outdoor Voices, she recognizes how society perceives driven women. The pop star's resonance with the content, whether it was a viral TikTok or Candace Owens blake Lively was too close to the sun, so to speak., is unsurprising given her following, Her four album variations and cardigan sales strategy have occasionally led to her being labeled the ultimate capitalist girlboss.
In the time since her career was put on hold, Swift has, as the saying goes, dedicated herself to her craft. A new album each year for the past five years. Four albums were re-recorded, each featuring new tracks. An extensive, years-long, worldwide tour. Time person of the year. Repurchasing her masters. Achieving billionaire status is an exceptionally uncommon feat for women in entertainment, particularly those whose wealth stems from their primary creative endeavors rather than a beauty enterprise. Her most recent album contributed to that net worth reach $2 billion.
Swift discerned and demonstrated the fundamental reality for those who have been discontinued. Continue to produce work that resonates with people and leaves them wanting more, be it music or a startup's offerings, and your audience will eventually arrive. Individuals (including those facing graver charges) have historically adopted this tactic. Women are also experimenting with this now.
Experiencing "cancellation" can still be a challenging ordeal. On this track, Swift mentions bearing "matching scars." The emotional burden she bore from widespread public animosity remains unknown, yet it's evident that the world no longer harbors such feelings towards her. Instead, it cherishes and embraces her for the very qualities—her sincerity, her candor—that previously made her withdraw. Excluding the Mixed reviews on this record.
Sophia Amoruso, the originator of the phrase “girlboss,” posted a video made a statement following the song's performance the previous evening. Her perspective was this: "Society applauds ambitious women, then ridicules them, only to embrace that ambition again once it no longer poses a threat."
The "girlboss" trend was already in full swing earlier this year. Founders like Audrey Gelman of The Wing and Ty Haney of Outdoor Voices are recovering from past setbacks and launching new ventures. As a culture, we are finally prepared for this, much like Swift herself would suggest. The concept of the "girlboss," often criticized, is now evolving into its third distinct meaning. Initially an ambition, then a target for criticism, she has evolved into a resilient, defiant woman who, aware of potential judgment, proceeds with her endeavors. In any case.
Swift is aware of all of this. And being mentioned in one of her songs, regardless of whether you're a Charlie Puth or a prominent businesswoman, solidifies your return.
Emma Hinchliffe
emma.hinchliffe@fortune.com
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