[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/Byz3uXZDDNV/”]
In the video, we see Taylor wearing a pink robe, pulled down past her shoulders — revealing the behemoth tattoo.
What could it all mean, though? And is it even REAL?
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/ByrRby7Di60/”]
If you have followed Taylor’s recent professional trajectory, you know that Reputation was all about reclaiming her power, leaning into her shadows, and sending a big middle finger to her haters.
After Kim and Kanye released “receipts” of Taylor allegedly lying about having provided permission to Kanye to refer to her in a song (while Taylor said she wasn’t aware of the scope of the song), Taylor’s reputation took a major hit.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/Bim_a4RHZYQ/”]
Around this time, she was also called out for staying mum throughout some intense political upheaval.
But she actually addressed this very issue recently, saying:
“In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions. I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG…. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country toward people of color is terrifying, sickening, and prevalent.”
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/BopoXpYnCes/?utm_source=ig_embed”]
Well lo’ and behold — the brand new, all-loving, politically conscious Taylor surely has emerged…
…from under whatever self-imposed (or record label-imposed?) silence she felt the need to cling to.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/ByJzCNZDMgG/”]
The butterfly back tattoo is likely fake, but it’s pretty symbolic, isn’t it?
While Reputation‘s serpent was certainly a nod toward “darkness,”(while also representing the shedding of the skin of a bad reputation) the butterflies appear to be a celebration of transformation and freedom and speaking out.
But this time, it’s not just about her haters, but political hatred as well.
In fact, she addresses lots of issues in the song. Both the personal and global:
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/By0MuwaDQaz/”]
Not only does she address the haters: “You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace/And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate/’Cause shade never made anybody less gay,” she also shares her love for lots of other pop-stars in the video (like Ariana and Adele) and brings Katy Perry on — her decade-old “enemy” — for a hug.
Yes, we can hear fans’ heads exploding everywhere.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/Byz6_KKjztL/”]
Watch it here:
[fm_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkk9gvTmCXY”]
It looks like Taylor is embracing equality, forgiveness, transformation, feminism, and joy. And it’s a lovely thing to watch.
But what do the fans think?
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/HayleyKiyoko/status/1140645306616299520″]
Okay, apparently, they’re flipping out.
And of course they’re finding all the Easter Eggs (Taylor loves some good symbolism, doesn’t she?).
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/POPSUGAR/status/1140630441529139200″]
And people loved the LOVE that Taylor was sharing.
We don’t blame them!
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/taysfirststring/status/1140595989104844801″]
…Especially when apparent enemies come together and HOLD HANDS in a final act of forgiveness and love.
Of course, we wonder if maybe it was really just the media that perpetuated that rumor?
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/mrkplduran/status/1140605081374449664″]
But the most important response of all comes from people who needed to hear the message of support and love for the LGBTQIA community.
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/tomandlorenzo/status/1140610104091455490″]
Whatever you thought of Taylor before, it’s time to recognize that she is stepping up and sending a message of love and support.
[fm_twitter url=”https://twitter.com/Talita_Blaine/status/1140684355410563072″]