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
-
Taylor Swift Makes $5 Million Donation for Hurricanes Helene and Milton ReliefOne organization thanked Swift for her generosity.
-
Jennifer Lopez Says Ben Affleck Split Did "Almost Take Me Out for Good" the Second TimeShe doesn't regret any of the lessons she's learned.
-
This Top-Rated Laser Hair Removal Device is on Mega Sale at Amazon Right NowShop it now for less than $200.
-
Taylor Swift Makes $5 Million Donation for Hurricanes Helene and Milton Relief
One organization thanked Swift for her generosity.
-
Donna Kelce Says “Tight-Lipped” Son Travis and Girlfriend Taylor Swift Won’t Tell Her What They’re Dressing up as for Halloween"They don't tell us anything."
-
Jason Kelce Defends Travis Kelce, Says He "Enjoyed His Off-Seasons" Before Dating Taylor SwiftImagine that!
-
Taylor Swift Just Surpassed Rihanna as the World’s Richest Female MusicianHer music catalog alone is worth an estimated $600 million.
-
Travis Kelce Confirms Taylor Swift Will Attend Chiefs vs. Saints Game After Missing the Last 2—Plus His BirthdayNew Swiftie Chiefs fashion incoming!
-
Travis Kelce Says Whoever He's Dating Doesn't Have to Attend All His Games in Resurfaced Interview
This comes after Taylor Swift skipped some of Kelce's latest games.
-
Donna Kelce Says She "Stood Still" in Marriage to Ed: "We Stayed Together for the Kids"But they were friendly.
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Relationship Rumors Have Reportedly Been "Blown Out of Proportion"
A source has claimed "nothing has changed" after Swift missed Kelce's games.
