Research Question:
How are celebrities shaping the youth vote in the 2024 presidential campaign? Do celebrities have an obligation to speak out about politics since they have such large platforms?
Part 1: MLA Citation:
McClay, B. D. “Opinion | The Taylor Swift Endorsement Fantasy.” The New York Times, 8 Sept. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/opinion/taylor-swift-endorsement-election-harris.html.
Part 2: Summary
In The New York Times article “The Taylor Swift Endorsement Fantasy,” B.D. McClay explores the fascination with celebrity endorsements in American politics, specifically questioning the belief that Taylor Swift’s support could significantly sway voters in the 2024 election. McClay traces this idea back to the media’s persistent speculation about whether Swift will endorse Kamala Harris, reflecting a broader pattern of public reliance on celebrity opinions. Despite Swift’s popularity, McClay argues that celebrity endorsements have historically failed to change election outcomes. For instance, previous endorsements, like Leonardo DiCaprio for John Kerry or Ariana Grande for Bernie Sanders, did not secure victories for those candidates. McClay suggests that the fantasy around Swift’s endorsement represents a desire to sidestep the difficult work of politics, as voters hope a beloved figure can simplify complex issues. While Swift’s influence may encourage young people to register to vote, McClay emphasizes that substantial political impact requires more than passive support from celebrities. Instead, McClay believes that active, thoughtful engagement with political issues is necessary, challenging the assumption that celebrity opinions can truly shape the political landscape.
Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis
This article is an opinion piece written by B.D. McClay, a credible critic and essayist, published in The New York Times, a reputable and widely respected news source. McClay’s writing style is reflective and critical, with a skeptical tone that questions society’s dependence on celebrities for political direction. McClay primarily uses logos by referencing historical examples, such as the minimal impact of celebrity endorsements in previous elections, to argue that celebrities have limited sway over voters’ political decisions. The intended audience appears to be politically aware readers like Generation Z, who may be intrigued by celebrity culture, but are encouraged to engage with politics beyond superficial endorsements. The article is timely, published during the 2024 presidential race, a period when youth political participation is crucial. This context reinforces McClay’s message, while celebrities have a right to express political opinions, real political change requires active civic engagement from the public.
Part 4: Notable Quotables
1. “The fantasy that a superstar like Ms. Swift might come around on a white horse to sway the electorate is a seductive one, but it’s worth asking what we hope this superstar will save us from” (McClay).
2. “It would be exceedingly convenient if a superstar entertainer could make irrelevant the thorny questions of how to persuade voters in key states.”(McClay).
3. “But we should leave celebrity opinions out of it… we shouldn’t look to them to solve politics for the rest of us — and it’s for the best that they can’t.”(McClay).
GOOD