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Maverick's Morning Thoughts

How Taylor Swift is Marketing Masculinity to Young Women

Maverick Steffen  -  12/28/2023

Probably the greatest influence over the masses ever is driven by the allure of celebrities and their perceived ideals.

Women, in particular, have been noted for their responsiveness to female celebrities' lifestyles, choices, and styles.

From the iconic mimicry of Marilyn Monroe's glamorous appeal in the 60s to the emulation of Jacqueline Kennedy's poised elegance, celebrity influence has been a powerful force in shaping feminine ideals.

Today, the trend continues robustly, with many looking up to figures like Kim Kardashian.

Her distinctive style, involving everything from fashion to cosmetic enhancements, has not just inspired; it has set a precedent for beauty and success, often leading to drastic personal changes among her admirers.

Furthermore, the influence extends beyond mere aesthetic mimicry to lifestyle and relationship choices.

The phenomenon of women adapting their dating preferences in response to the types of men celebrity females date is particularly intriguing.

The shift towards appreciating "geekier" or non-traditional masculinity aligns with certain celebrity endorsements, reflecting a broader acceptance and desire for varied masculine traits.

Taylor Swift's recent romantic choices exemplify this by selecting Travis Kelce.

By dating someone who embodies traditional masculinity, Taylor Swift inadvertently sends a message to her legion of followers.

The bottom line is people follow the choices of their leaders, and celebrities, for all intents and purposes, are leaders.

This choice doesn't just ripple through her fan base; it potentially steers a cultural shift, reaffirming certain masculine ideals as desirable.

Such is the power of celebrity influence that a single relationship choice can reignite discussions and preferences for "jock" masculinity, echoing a marketing of masculinity that resonates across socioeconomics and demographics.

It's the game of mating, and it ain't got borders!

Historically, this influence isn't new. Celebrities have long been the unintentional trendsetters of societal norms. However, the scale and immediacy of influence in the digital age are unprecedented. Social Media now brainwashes people more fads and trends in one day than one used to endure in an entire lifetime only a decade ago.

It's a phenomenon that sees millions swayed by the choices of the few, a testament to the enduring power of celebrity in shaping desires, aspirations, and even personal identities.

For example, David and Victoria Beckham have long been fashion icons, influencing not just apparel but also attitudes towards gender roles and fashion. David's embrace of metrosexuality in the early 2000s challenged traditional masculine aesthetics and made it fashionable for men to care about grooming and fashion, changing male stereotypes around the world.

Steve Jobs' iconic black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers became more than a personal uniform; they symbolized a lifestyle of minimalism, efficiency, and focus that many sought to emulate in their own lives and wardrobes, impacting tech culture and beyond.

As athleisure took off, models and celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner were at the forefront, wearing brands like Adidas and Puma not just to the gym but as everyday wear. Their endorsement of comfort and style hybridized fashion trends and shifted industry focus towards more versatile, athletic-inspired apparel.

The bottom line is people follow the choices of their leaders, and celebrities, for all intents and purposes, are leaders.

So when the leading female rockstar selects a tall, hunky jock, you can bet this year's Prom will be filled with young girls attached to their weight-lifting, football throwing, protein consuming jocks.

That's not a coincidence, that's marketing.

To your success!

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