To many, Taylor Swift is America's sweetheart, but that alone can't save her from landing in hot water. Yesterday, Swift debuted the video for her new song "Shake It Off," in which she showcases a slew of cultural identities in jest. In one scene, Swift, decked out in heavy gold jewelry and cut-off denim hot pants, twerks with a group of black and white women. It's lighthearted, but as recent videos from Miley Cyrus and Lily Allen have taught us, is walking a very fine line.
Rapper Earl Sweatshirt took to Twitter to call Swift out, even going so far as to say she's masking prejudice with mock appreciation. He tweeted the following:
haven't watched the taylor swift video and I don't need to watch it to tell you that it's inherently offensive and ultimately harmfulAugust 19, 2014
perpetuating black stereotypes to the same demographic of white girls who hide their prejudice by proclaiming their love of the cultureAugust 19, 2014
for instance, those of you who are afraid of black people but love that in 2014 it's ok for you to be trill or twerk or say niggaAugust 19, 2014
Earl Sweatshirt isn't the only one taking to Twitter to voice frustration, so it'll be interesting to see how Swift reacts to the criticism, especially in light of her forthcoming performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night. We'll just have to wait and see.
"Shake It Off" is available on iTunes and her new album, 1989, drops October 27.
Related Links:
Taylor Swift's Rise to America's Sweetheart
-
'Elf' Had So Much Behind-the-Scenes Drama That a Sequel Was Canceled Amid Ongoing FeudsMembers of the cast have different stories about why 'Elf' never got a sequel.
-
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Had a "Magical" Early Christmas Celebration With Her KidsThey "made some very special memories together," a source says.
-
Chappell Roan Jokes About 'Glee' Christmas Episode Before Immediately ApologizingShe is so hilariously unserious.
-
Taylor Swift Explains What Her Job Was a Kid Growing Up on a Christmas Tree Farm in Resurfaced Video"It was such a weird place to grow up."
-
Taylor Swift Sent the Girl in the Hospital Who Called Her Outfit “Tea” the $4500 Miu Miu Outfit She Was Wearing When They MetThe teen, Naya, shared a new video of her overjoyed reaction to the over-the-top Christmas gift, on TikTok.
-
Taylor Swift Was Convinced She Was Going to a "Quiet Dinner” Before Travis Kelce Surprised Her With an Eras Tour Wrap PartyAnd one of her friends captured her surprised reaction on camera.
-
Travis Kelce Threw Taylor Swift an Epic Eras Tour Wrap Party in Kansas CityThe pictures guests shared on Instagram from the party are must-see.
-
Why Swifites Are Convinced Taylor Swift Is Going to Be on the Kelce Brothers’ Podcast in January"We’ve been waiting on this one for a long time," Jason said when teasing a "very special" guest for the January 2 episode.
-
Taylor Swift Reportedly Wants to “Live the Simple Life” With Travis Kelce in Kansas City Post-Eras Tour"She will be going to Kansas City and staying there for some time," a source says.
-
Travis Kelce Shares His Christmas Plans—Which Might Not Include Taylor Swift'Tis the damn season.
-
Gracie Abrams Revealed What the Last Night of the Eras Tour Was Really Like Backstage"It felt like the last day of school."
