Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
The president of the University of Birmingham's Taylor Swift Society believes that Taylor Swift is an upcoming cultural icon comparable to classic texts. Orla Keogh, head of the society, said Swift draws profusely from classic literature into her lyrics to add weightier meanings. "She can even be compared to some of the great poets," Keogh said, pointing out the singer's literary references within her music.
Swift, now the most-streamed artist in history and with the highest-grossing world tour-the Eras tour-continues to cement her influence not just in music but across wider cultural and social spheres. She was listed last year as the fifth most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.
The University of Birmingham hosted a one-off event where academics got together to consider the far-reaching influence of Swift. Professor Sarah Montano, a retail marketing expert at the university, said his power extends beyond economics. "His social influence, like his support for Kamala Harris in the American presidential election, also is very relevant in shaping and driving public conversation," she said.
Yet Montano said that, even as an international icon, Swift was not immune to criticism, especially when articulating political views or in standing her ground against the music industry. The event gave social scientists a platform to reflect on Swift's contemporary icon status and what it says about today's society.
During the event, scores of Swift's fans, some in their twenties were seen making bracelets, a ritual the fans adapted from one of Swift's songs. At her concerts such a tradition has been used as a way for the 'Swifties' to unify in friendship by exchanging the bracelets.
Several speeches and musical performances rounded out the evening in Birmingham to celebrate Swift's profound impact.
