Retired military journalist Robert People addressed the criticism of Taylor Swift in a viral TikTok video, emphasizing that hating Swift sets a negative example for young girls.
He expressed concern that such criticism deflates kids who admire Swift and discourages girls from feeling accepted in male-dominated spaces like sports.
People also highlighted Swift’s generosity and success, advocating for her as a positive role model.
“Those of you people out there, especially grown men, expressing all this nasty, ridiculous hate for Taylor Swift just for existing and supporting her boyfriend in the NFL, keep in mind, Taylor Swift’s not gonna see or hear any of that,” People said.
“But you know who will? Your daughters.”
“And with all this juvenile hate you’re showing Taylor Swift for simply being there, you’re encouraging your daughters to shrink themselves, reduce who they are. Because if they do anything more than that, if they just decide to be themselves, they’re gonna get a whole lot of hate from not only the world but from people just like you: their own parents. We need to do better, straight up,” he said.
He argued that the behavior of adults towards celebrities like Swift sets a precedent for how young boys may perceive and treat women.
Throughout, he emphasized the need for a more positive and inclusive approach.
“My daughter watches football with me and pays attention to everything I do,” People said.
“It’s wrong to treat anyone this way,” he said. “If you don’t know much about her, then don’t say anything. She’s a human being and people reduce her humanity.”
“What does that have to do with men, mostly men being nasty and foul and threatening … toward Taylor Swift when they’re watching football?”
“Young boys are going to hear how you address these women celebrities and they’re going to say, ‘Oh, my dad is doing it … that’s how I should go about my business.”
