Are Swifties in a Cult?

This week, Sophie (@joan.of.arca) and Caio (@punkrevolutionnow) explore the question that has been brewing in many of our minds: are Swifties in a cult? From the Swifties who have taken thousands from their savings to go to the Eras Tour, to the Swifites who danced at a theater in a scene straight out of Ari Aster's Midsommar, we wonder if Taylor Swift's influence has exceeded that of a typical popstar and into cult leader territory. 

Examined under the framework of cult expert and former Harvard faculty Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton, our hosts try to decide whether or not Swifties are just hardcore devoted fans, or bonfide cult members. 

Plus, we read the testimonies of some recovering ex-Swifties in the r/SwiftlyNeutral subreddit, described as "a parasocial relationship recovery meeting." 

 

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NOTE: This episode contains criticism of Taylor Swift and fandom culture in general, and is in no way meant to be hateful. It is meant to be fun and tongue-in-cheek. If you're a Taylor Swift fan, we love you <3 

 

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