The Swifties Are After Me...

Listen to this episode from The Napkin In Between on Spotify. A new hair era, a new lens on pop—a candid analysis of Taylor Swift’s latest album discourse, the limits of “hits,” and why popularity isn’t proof of quality.In today's episode, I read Swiftie comments and respond point by point: the “biggest tour” flex without sources, the myth of the self-made star when family capital paved lanes, and the way fans conflate streams with standards. We talk about infantilization after a very public 2009 moment, how white feminism gets weaponized to shut down critique, and why calling out privilege isn’t “tearing women down.” If folklore and evermore show maturity, why return to teen gloss? Incentives matter—and so does who gets grace to plateau.This conversation isn’t about disliking catchy music; it’s about context. Black women rarely get the cultural cushion to be merely OK and still ascend. If you’ve ever wondered why some careers float no matter the output, this is your map through fandom, metrics, and power. Tap play, then tell me: what truly makes a “hit,” and who deserves the pedestal?If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your words help other curious listeners find us.