The Controversy Surrounding Taylor Swift’s ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ Music Video
As a devoted fan of Taylor Swift, there is no denying that her music videos are always highly anticipated and often become subjects of intense scrutiny. One such video that caused a major controversy and created waves in the music industry was the release of “Look What You Made Me Do” in 2017. Let’s delve into the controversies surrounding this iconic music video and the reasons behind the intense reactions it provoked.
The Reinvention of Taylor Swift
When “Look What You Made Me Do” premiered, fans and music enthusiasts were intrigued by the drastic change in Taylor Swift’s image. Gone was the innocent, country-pop princess, replaced by a darker and more vengeful persona. This marked a significant departure from her previous image and sound. Many questioned whether this new direction was authentic or simply a calculated attempt to shed her good-girl image and garner attention.
The video itself showcased various aspects of Taylor Swift’s career, with symbolic references to her past controversies and feuds. From the scene where she is surrounded by snakes, a direct reference to her feud with Kanye West, to her standing atop a mountain of past versions of herself, the video seemed to be her way of expressing her confrontation with her public persona.
The Feud References
One of the major controversies surrounding the “Look What You Made Me Do” music video was the references to her ongoing feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Taylor Swift’s clash with Kanye West dates back to the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident when he interrupted her acceptance speech. Their feud seemed to reignite in 2016 when Kanye released his song “Famous,” which contained derogatory lyrics about Taylor that she claimed she never approved.
In the music video, Taylor Swift seated herself in a bathtub filled with diamonds, similar to Kim Kardashian’s infamous Paris robbery, while addressing her past feuds. This scene, combined with the snake imagery surrounding her, ignited a heated discussion and garnered media attention, with people analyzing every frame for hidden meanings and references.
The Repetitive Imagery
Another point of controversy surrounding the video was the repetitive imagery that some viewed as excessive and narcissistic. In one scene, multiple Taylor Swifts from different eras of her career were seen fighting and clawing at each other. This scene was interpreted by some as Taylor’s way of suggesting a feud with her own past selves and her critics.
Critics argued that this repetition reflected Taylor Swift’s need to constantly reinvent herself for the sake of maintaining her popularity. However, as a devoted fan, I believe that the use of repetition served a purpose in highlighting the pressures of fame and the constant expectations placed upon her as a female artist in the industry.
The Edginess Factor
“Look What You Made Me Do” undeniably marked a significant shift in Taylor Swift’s image, with a newfound edginess that some celebrated and others criticized. The visual transformation featured in the music video, from glamorous ball gown moments to leather-clad and zombie-inspired scenes, ignited conversations about authenticity and the boundaries of artistic expression.
Some critics accused Taylor Swift of appropriating gothic or alternative subcultures to fit her new image. Others argued that this transformation allowed her to experiment artistically and explore different facets of her personality and creativity. Regardless of these criticisms, the video became a major cultural moment, sparking debates about artistic reinvention and the lengths artists go to stay relevant.
While controversies surrounding Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” music video were inevitable, it is essential to recognize the artistry, creativity, and thought that went into its production. As a fan, it is always exciting to see an artist evolve and challenge expectations, and Taylor Swift did just that with this controversial and visually stunning music video.
