Taylor Swift : authenticity and the influence of popular culture icons in law

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Randall, Michael (2024) Taylor Swift : authenticity and the influence of popular culture icons in law. Media and Arts Law Review, 26 (2). pp. 122-147.

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Abstract

Icons carry an elevated standing in popular culture and help us to process the world around us. This article classifies Taylor Swift as an icon and considers the influence that she has been able to exert because of her knowing understanding of the complexities of authenticity in public life. This article presents a consideration of what makes someone an icon as opposed to a star, highlighting that Taylor Swift is an extraordinary figure. This is, in part, due to the image that is presented to audiences, an image that she has gained greater control of through her career, which reflects on her genuine experiences and allows for greater connections with her fans. This image ties into a nuanced understanding of what is and what is not authentic which is present throughout her work. Her fans, over time, have become legal experts as she has publicly navigated commercial rights and feminist issues. These become shared experiences, in part because of her perceived authenticity. The culmination is that Taylor Swift has already exerted a great degree of influence over what the state of law provides in rights and guarantees to creators. The full extent of this will not be known as the ethics and values inspire others. Nevertheless, Taylor Swift occupies a unique position which requires further investigation and consideration.

ORCID iDs

Randall, Michael ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7724-588X;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)