Consider This from NPR Why the Comparisons Between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift?
Dec 22, 2023
Tammy L. Kernodle, a music professor at Miami University, delves into the narrative pitting Beyoncé and Taylor Swift against each other despite their mutual support and shared success. She discusses how society often fosters comparisons between female artists, highlighting historical rivalries and the media's role in promoting these divisive stories. Kernodle emphasizes the need to challenge these cultural dynamics and recognize the significant contributions of women in the music industry, calling for a shift towards more supportive narratives.
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Beyonce vs. Taylor Swift
- Fans debated Beyonce and Taylor Swift's tours and music, often comparing them.
- Some questioned why both artists couldn't be appreciated individually.
Gender Bias in Music Comparisons
- Tammy Kernodle notes that male artists like Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran aren't compared like female artists are.
- This is due to how artistry and acceptable space are defined, especially for women in music.
Historical Example: Jazz Pianists
- Kernodle cites jazz pianists Mary Lou Williams and Hazel Scott being pitted against each other in the 1930s-40s.
- This illustrates how female artists' competition is often framed around defining authentic sound and musicianship.