Taylor Swift is a renowned artist, known for her multitude of albums, jaw-dropping concerts, and iconic moments. She has released ten albums, plus four live albums. Swift started with country and “then moved into pure pop… and her latest eras have seen her experimenting with rock and alternative sounds.”³ From her albums, she has had multiple songs appear on the Hot 100 Hits list.⁴ She has also “won the Grammy for album of the year three times… [making her] the first woman to win that prestigious category three times.”⁴ To regain the rights to her music, Taylor has begun re-releasing her first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. So far, she has succeeded with “Taylor’s Versions” of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989, leaving only Taylor Swift and Reputation – which people theorize will be next.

With each re-release, fans grow more excited and proud to see Taylor being the successful woman she is. Millionaire at eighteen, billionaire at thirty-three, Taylor Swift is a role model for women and girls worldwide. But, when it comes to her impact on the world, people have differing opinions. Is she helping the world, or is she hurting it?

“[Taylor] Swift has a mind of her own, and she’s not afraid to use it. Her approach to philanthropy is no exception.”¹ USA Today explains how Taylor Swift is a generous person who uses her money on causes important to her. There have been instances where Taylor had friends who were struggling financially, and rather than ignore their struggles, she helped them out.¹ Not only does she help those close to her, but she also donates to foundations supporting causes personal to her. Taylor has experienced harassment, so she donates to the Joyful Heart Foundation, “a nonprofit that helps counsel sexual assault survivors.”¹ She also supports those battling cancer – a cause that hits close to home since both her parents have battled with cancer.

A major discussion among fans is topics such as climate change, global warming, and carbon footprints – environmental impacts that Taylor Swift is not exempt from. She has one of the highest “carbon emissions from traveling in private planes.”² “‘Her total flight emissions for the year come in at 8,293.54 tonnes,’” which is “1,928 times the global average.”² It is noted in various articles that Taylor Swift has one of the highest carbon footprints amongst celebrities.

She is an inspiration, she gives back to important causes, yet, no one is perfect. Even Taylor has her flaws. So the question remains, is she really all that?