Choosing Conservative Icons Wisely
While it is good for Americans to turn away from woke advertising and reckless feminism, Swift and Sweeney are hardly the best examples for young girls to follow.
By Madison Fossa
Recently, the right has tried to claim a few prominent female pop icons, including Sydney Sweeney and Taylor Swift. Over the summer, Sweeney’s suggestive ad for the popular clothing brand American Eagle sparked national conversations about the return of traditional beauty standards (to the dismay of the all-inclusive left). Swift’s album release in the fall highlighted her desire for a family, sparking outrage among feminists.
Most shocking and saddening in both instances was the cheers that both women received from conservatives. (READ MORE: Why the Mayoral Election in NYC Gained So Much Attention: A Look at Mayoral Structure)
Good “Genes”
Western culture has become so used to DEI campaigns that Sweeney’s promiscuity was applauded. The controversy that the ad started led to the discovery that the actress was a registered Republican voter:
“Sydney Sweeney registered as a Republican voter in Florida a few months before Donald Trump won a second presidency, it has been revealed, as the public continues fixating on a new jeans ad campaign…” writes the Guardian.
This revelation only excited the right more; after all, this indicated that the star was on their ‘side.’ On top of that, a viral interview depicted the star’s initial refusal to back down and apologize for her partnership with American Eagle, accepting Trump’s praise and calling it “surreal.”
Voting for Republicans, vocalizing support for Republican ideas, and loving America are for everyone, and it is encouraging that voting Red is becoming more mainstream. However, Sweeney’s lifestyle – Sweeney as a person – is no conservative. Believing otherwise demonstrates a lack of understanding about what it means to live conservatively in an ever-progressing world. Conservatives must exercise caution when selecting role models and faces of the party.
Sweeney is most famous for her roles in White Lotus and Euphoria. She is known for her showy red carpet looks. Her promiscuity and participation in these specific productions point to a liberal lifestyle, uninfluenced by conserving American, much less Biblical, values.
Outdated Wishes
A similar situation occurred a few months later with the release of Taylor Swift’s newest Album, Life of a Showgirl. One of her songs, titled Wi$h Li$t, included the lines,
“They want that complex female character/… They want that freedom/… I just want you/ Have a couple kids got the whole block lookin’ like you.”
I think that Taylor’s aspirations expressed in these lines are commendable and natural. After years of public life and chaotic dating, she seems to be looking forward to spending life with her fiancé. She even wants children with him. However, I do not think that Swift is a shining role model for conservative women. (READ MORE: SCOTUS Update: Reinforcing Medical Consciousness: U.S. v. Skrmetti)
For many years, Swift has championed leftist ideologies including feminism, the LGBTQ movement, and abortion. Once again, conservatives are taking advantage of the left’s anger being directed at a celebrity and turning her into an example.
Role Models?
While it is good for Americans to turn away from woke advertising and reckless feminism, Swift and Sweeney are hardly the best examples for young girls to follow. Traditional beauty standards that promote femininity and grace should return, as should little girls’ dreams of the white-picket fence and devoted husband. There are better examples of these values, though.
Many conservative women are in leadership within the party, have public lives, or even work behind the scenes, faithfully living out their convictions and conserving values that America was founded upon. We should first look to them instead of these stars. (READ MORE: Tis the Season: Movies that Bring Joy to the Soul)
About the Author
Madison Fossa is a senior Trustee Scholar at Grove City College majoring in Biology and minoring in Technical Writing.
In addition to working as a Marketing Fellow for the Institute, Madison is the president of Young Women for America’s Grove City chapter. This summer, Madison interned with the American Spectator as an Editorial Intern, and will continue to write for the Spectator as well as The College Fix.
READ MORE BY MADISON FOSSA: Remembering Voddie Baucham
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash