Taylor Swift was easily the most dominant cultural force of 2023.
With a record-breaking tour, a box-office smash, and a steady flow of new music — not to mention the ever-bright spotlight on her personal life — news about Swift has become virtually inescapable, even for the uninitiated. She was recently named Person of the Year by Time and hailed as "the last bastion of monoculture" by Vogue.
However, not all of Swift's headlines have been flattering. Given her influence, talent, and alarmingly devoted following, it can be easy to forget (or willfully ignore) that Swift is a real person with flaws and blind spots.
Even as a self-proclaimed Swiftie, I try to resist the trap of celebrity worship. In every fandom, there should be room for both praise and critique. The unrivaled reach and power that Swift has accrued, especially this year, makes it even more important to hold her accountable.
In this spirit, I rounded up the biggest highlights and letdowns that came with being a Swiftie in 2023.