December 10, 2015

"Writing about Taylor Swift is a horrific ordeal for me because her twinkly persona is such a scary flashback to the fascist blondes who ruled the social scene during my youth."

Writes Camille Paglia.
Swift herself should retire that obnoxious Nazi Barbie routine of wheeling out friends and celebrities as performance props, an exhibitionistic overkill....
Or should we retire the references to Nazis? Hey, I wonder what Camille thinks of Trump. He's the main person who's been called a fascist lately. It was kind of refreshing to see the crusty old label stapled to Swift.

Here's something from last July: "Why Does Camille Paglia Love Donald Trump?/Because she's basically the Donald Trump of feminism."
So far this year, I’m happy with what Trump has done, because he’s totally blown up the media! [...] He’s simply an American citizen who is creating his own bully pulpit. He speaks in the great populist way, in the slangy vernacular. He takes hits like a comedian—and to me he’s more of a comedian than Jon Stewart is! Like claiming John McCain isn’t a war hero, because his kind of war hero doesn’t get captured—that’s hilarious! That’s like something crass that Lenny Bruce might have said! It’s so startling and entertaining.... What I’m saying is that the authentic 1960s were about street theater—chaos, spontaneity, caustic humor. And Trump actually has it! He does better comedy than most professional comedians right now, because we’re in this terrible period where the comedians do their tours with canned jokes.... That’s why Donald Trump has suddenly leapt in the polls. He’s a great stand-up comedian. He’s anti-PC–he’s not afraid to say things that are rude and mean. I think he’s doing a great service for comedy as well as for politics!

60 comments:

khematite said...

More Don Rickles than Lenny Bruce, I'd say.

John henry said...

Write on, Camille!

You know a writer I wish had not died early? Oriana Fallaci. She who coined the word "Eurabia". She who was basically kicked out of Europe for saying what most Europeans think. And now what most Americans think.

I would love to hear her take on Trump. I suspect that she would be a strong supporter.

Read her book The Rage and the Passion to see what Islamification is doing to Europe in general and Italy in particular. This was 8-10 years ago before it really ramped up.

John Henry

Sal said...

If only Taylor Swift was a brunette... Things would be so much different.

The Bergall said...

Huh?

retired said...

Paglia is nuts and has been getting nuttier recently.

Hagar said...

Both of you wrong. Fascism was Mussolini's idea of "alternative socialism," and Nazism was Hitler's version with variations as needed to prepare for WWII and his personal idiosyncrasies. The one is not like the other, and what Paglia is referring to was neither.
A little social unpleasantness is not the same as beating up people (which the fascists did) or beating up and killing the opposition as the Nazis did in their march to power, not to mention what they did after they got in power.

Etienne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RMc said...

Of course Taylor Swift is a fascist. Isn't everybody?

n.n said...

When I was young...

Fandor said...

Taylor Swift reveals "TEN GOOSE-STEPS TO SUCCESS" in Cosmo this month.

Guildofcannonballs said...

"Or should we retire the references to Nazis?"

Well those of sight not-long who argue "the enemy wants you to do that" whether it be fight back, or to not submit, might want to understand why "never forget" isn't a catch-phrase sloganeering rhetorical-bomb Trump just dropped yesterday in their answer to your question.

More pointedly, in today's Brave New World world, the idea that referencing Nazi's or Hitler precisely somehow diminishes his evil is stupid. Hopefully you all have seen the videos, 94 Libras or Concertos or 93 SomethingOrOther*, documenting how stupidly indoctrinated these youngsters have become, without even the pretense of having to know anything in order to argue for or against it depending on the sepsis' direction of a media-sort.

*Back when the morons were more prominent on this website, the argument "ha you don't even know what you reference and yet you criticize/diss that very same thing Viking-fan!" and I would agree they have a point, but I am confident my performance tonight, though not Shakespearian according to the as-yet-unrecorded history, wasn't anything Sinatra would regret.

Laslo Spatula said...

How can this woman ever be called Fascist?.

I am Laslo.

paminwi said...

Really? "It was kind of refreshing to see the crusty old label stapled to Swift."
What the hell has Taylor Swift ever done to you?

Looks to me like two old women are bitching about a young woman who has worked very hard, earned her money, not whored around and doesn't do drugs.

Where's your negative article about Katy Perry?or Beyoncé singing about blow jobs in the back of a limo?

jr565 said...

Now Taylor swift is a nazi? Way to devalue the term nazi.
I'm a nazi you're a nazi he's a nazi she's a nazi
Wouldn't you like to be a nazi too?

Anonymous said...

"Retire the references to Nazis?" Boy, that's a thought.

Quayle said...

Boy, this election is crazy. Take my party's candidate.

No! Really! Take him.

Bay Area Guy said...

I love Camille Paglia. I really do. A reformed feminist who escaped the plantation of liberal group-think. You go girl.

But, picking on Taylor Swift? Really?

I have a young daughter who loves Taylor Swift, as do most of her 5th Grade posse. Yes, Swift is annoying, and Yes, I am sick of hearing Swift on the radio EVERY.TIME.I.DRIVE.MY.KIDS.ANYWHERE.

And, yet, she's a pretty, thin, blonde girl, who can sing, play guitar and makes $100 Million/year singing songs that makes young girls happy.

Sorry, Camile, you lose this one. Stick to politics!

Guildofcannonballs said...

I'll agree for reasons I will not reveal, and damn you if you demand to know frankly, ///444

Oh know.

I forgot.

I BLAME MODERATION.

*(&^*&v(*^b the rear-*&%^&^%$&%^%#$ stocked up with )(*&%^*&%^ (*&%*&^) and (*&%*&(^ )(*&%^&%^)(* _)(*, before the forging.

Guildofcannonballs said...

I haTE that I might be conforming to something indoctrinated et al.

BUT.

Projection.

Taylor doesn't deserve nuttin.

'Cause old woman says so.

Barack Obama doesn't get credit for returning, as conservative a move as Justice Thomas, respective environ-wise, has ever done.

Could Obama, having been a UC Law Professor-related entity On-Campus, determined "it's too far gone, these attitudes, ergo people must buy guns per Justice Thomas, especially the blackies as won shown during and after Reconstruction."?

Is that possible? Like a young sex-pot isn't taken seriously by someone who labels an individual, with thoughts and dreams and hopes and aspirations just like us all, that degrading six-letter word*.

*With hyphen accompaniment.

Anonymous said...

Camille Paglia, reliving being ostracized by the popular blond girls, so the bitter nutty hag picks on Taylor Swift?

Guildofcannonballs said...

With my talent I feel it absurd to not publicly thank God.

"When he was asked by Playboy Magazine what he wanted as an epitaph, he replied, ***'I know that my Redeemer liveth.***'" - William Frank Buckley Junior

http://www.acton.org/pub/religion-liberty/volume-20-number-2/review-william-f-buckley-jr

This is a link to not the first or top ten, but top 83rd or top 84th maybe best ever things you ever damn done darn did by in fact read, all the way.

And remember, if you have had a thought today, and you are remaining alive, then the nuns that have non-stopped prayed for you and humanity won. They are not, and shall never be, perfect, record-wise.

But the attitude in the face of that knowledge can, has been, is, will be, and forever more shall remain perfect.

khematite said...

John said...
You know a writer I wish had not died early? Oriana Fallaci. She who coined the word "Eurabia".


Just to give credit where due, the term "Eurabia" was actually coined in the early 2000s by Bat Ye'or, a British Jewish writer. Fallaci did frequently use the term, of course.

Roughcoat said...

Someone tell Taylor to get off Camille's lawn.

chickelit said...

Paglia is spot-on.

traditionalguy said...

Amen, Sister Camille. Preach it. You are aware of Trump's talent and you praise it rather than try to shut it up.

They both have deep intelligence added to quick wit with the courage to speak what they believe, no matter how many REMFs are intimidated by their speech.

Titus said...

Tonight I did a 20 year old from Tufts and feel extremely guilty. He was fucking 20 and he devoured my hog.

I am an old guy with a really tight body, but I am upset about doing him.

He was from Sacramento.

He was begging for my cum and I gave it to him.

tits and muscles.

I can't help myself. My worth is based off who will do me.

Guildofcannonballs said...

catholic
[kath-uh-lik, kath-lik]
Spell Syllables
Examples Word Origin
adjective
1.
broad or wide-ranging in tastes, interests, or the like; having sympathies with all; broad-minded; liberal.
2.
universal in extent; involving all; of interest to all.
3.
pertaining to the whole Christian body or church.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/catholic


"Catholic : of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church

: including many different things" - http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catholic

Catholicism (from Greek καθολικισμός, katholikismos, "universal doctrine") and its adjectival form Catholic are used as broad terms for describing specific traditions in the Christian churches in theology, doctrine, liturgy, ethics, and spirituality.
"Catholicism" and "Catholic" in this sense refer to the practices of several Christian churches. This sense is to be distinguished from the use of these words to refer to the Roman Catholic Church, that which is in full communion with the Holy See,[1] as well as the Orthodox Catholic Church (commonly called the "Orthodox Church" or the "Eastern Orthodox Church"), which also considers itself the universal and apostolic church." - Wikipedia Catholic blasphemy

How much does it matter what the, our as it ours's, OED proves me Buckley prone?

I say a whole Hell of a lot, but the unGestalt, as in, yeah, I am a sinner, but no, Satan will have to expend more than it's worth to off me school, dweller most unthreshold.

Guildofcannonballs said...

"used as broad terms for describing specific traditions" as Satan still revels.

Up your game Wiki, you have me too bored to care beyond showcasing obscurity; Opposite Don.

chickelit said...

I am looking forward to reading dozens of "How I learned to stop worrying and love the Donald" essays in the future.

traditionalguy said...

We just watched Good Morning Viet Nam. Watching Robin Williams role was analagous to Trump's beautifully politically incorrect performance. Of course in the end the Establishment screwed him for it and took back over the Viet Nam FUCK UP. But it was a performance art that the times needed.

The Play's the thing to the Hamlets of this world..

Guildofcannonballs said...

The argument is "yeah you indocrinate to not piss on people" etc.

Strong argument.
\

THAT IS NOT WHAT I ARGUE AGAIMST/

And I apologize you have resulted to this disposistion, clearly not bestly representing God's America Margin.

We all know, and if you forgot, we love you even more for it.

Ignorance is an excuse, until you forego ignorance and embrace Jesus Christ, God.

There, sadly, is only one God, and there is euphorically, one God, Jesus.

Skeptical Voter said...

Oh Lordy, the "mean girls" in high school meme. Some people never get over it.

Ann Althouse said...

"Really? "It was kind of refreshing to see the crusty old label stapled to Swift." What the hell has Taylor Swift ever done "

It was just meant as sarcasm it's a change from the usual accusations that someone is fascist.

I have no opinion of Swift, really. I don't listen to music I'm not interested in. I assume it's like the way I loved The Monkees and Herman's Hermits.

Guildofcannonballs said...

'Tis no5ing to prideth buh given.

And yet again, according to some, popular, as defined here (popular) as proclivities orientated gathering-wise if vectors precise determine pussy stank, doncordly.

So al, donconuncordly as your desire's revelations display;

I Have Misplaced My Pants said...

I dislike the multiple standards under which it's OK to use "blond" as a slur.

traditionalguy said...

Taylor is a pretty blonde with a serious authority in her demeanor, a good voice and some writing talent for the 14 year old girls market.

She has gotten rich by using a schitik that she is a pure and chaste girl. That really excites the guys who have never seen it before.

Camille points out that most of the teens used in the 1950s, and she knows it is as phoney an act now as it was then.

chuck said...

Taylor Swift, IMHO, is pleasant to look at, twinkly persona seems about right. But that is all I know about her. I don't follow or listen to popular music.

Christopher said...

Girl squads are a thing now?

Did male singers ever have something similar to that? The only thing that comes to mind is the Rat Pack but talentwise I don't think anybody believes that these groups are in any way comparable. Also the Rat Pack wasn't focused on gender, despite being all male, and did have female stars associated with it.

As for the sisterhood replacing mean-girl cattiness, I wouldn't hold my breath. From the outsider's perspective I've never really seen much of a difference between the two in actual implementation. But who knows, maybe there's a significant difference when you're actually involved.


On a side note telling people you're serious is much like telling people you're funny.

effinayright said...

Laslo, let's face it: no one ever responds to your pathetic little blog, despite your attempts to entice people to click to it via Althouse

I invite anyone to go to his home page Iamlaslo.com to see how he rocks the blog world. Check out the hundreds of provocative comments!

Oh wait... no comments.

Were it not for Althouse, you would have no clicks whatsoever.

Jason said...

A couple of days ago, I Tweeted " in the future, everyone will be just like Hitler for fifteen minutes."

I thought Tailor Swift was going to make it through the week, though.

mccullough said...

Nazi Barbie was a pretty funny comment, as was Trump's comment about McCain's service in Nam.

Trump's campaign is high level performance art. Even better than Andy Kaufmann's. Most of what he says is what part of him believes and thinks but he is not serious. We all have our fascist thoughts and moments about solving difficult problems. We usually dont give in to them, but just saying them out loud sometimes to a trusted friend or family member (or leaving them in an Althouse comment) is cathartic. Great comedy is cathartic. Paglia is right. Trump is a great comedian

lgv said...

I'm thinking Paglia, like many of us, are getting a little tired of the Trump routine about now. Kind of like how Gallagher's sledge-o-matic isn't funny anymore.

I'm surprised she has that strong an opinion on Taylor Swift. Swift isn't worthy of that much thought by Paglia. Paglia is being Trump like by saying things most people repress, feelings from a bad period of her own life being projected onto someone else. Swift is just an entertainment concoction. Everything we see about her is scripted.

Paco Wové said...

"telling people you're serious is much like telling people you're funny."

Or reasonable.

madAsHell said...

Paglia was shunned by the kewl girls in high school.

Ann Althouse said...

"Paglia was shunned by the kewl girls in high school."

What proportion of women who achieve something significant later in life do you think were shunned by the kewl girls in high school? I'm guessing 80%, at least.

Ann Althouse said...

Although, writing that, I can't think who I'd consider "kewl girls" from my old high school. I don't think "kewl" is a concept that would have fit the girls who got called the "popular" girls for some reason. I once asked my father what it could possibly be that made a particular girl popular. She wasn't even that pretty. My father said: "Isn't she promiscuous?" That really shocked me. 1. That word, "promiscuous," and 2. How he knew something that I'd never thought of and that he had no access to specific evidence about (only an understanding of the world), and 3. That he was right and that I was abruptly caught up on a subject in which I'd fallen far behind, and 4. That knowledge is liberating (if you see that competitors are winning by taking advantages you're not willing to take, your struggle is over).

chillblaine said...

Brilliant stuff. Love Paglia. She gets a pass on Nazi Barbie. Will the women she mentions learn male behaviors and make worthwhile music? I doubt it. There hasn't been a consequential album produced since Disintegration.

Real American said...

calling blonde people Nazis is racism.

Freeman Hunt said...

I'm guessing 80%, at least.

That's probably the percentage of the general population of girls in school who were shunned by them too.

mikee said...

When I start using pop music singers, celebrities, and fashion models for my role models, I'll start worrying about people like Taylor Swift.

Until then, I will keep them in their proper roles of eye & ear candy for me, which is how they earn their livings, after all.

When I want a female role model, I'll talk to the Dean of my daughter's Engineering Department at the University of Texas.

mikee said...

And Laslo, please keep posting here, your additions to the comments are enjoyed.

Joe said...

The way Paglia used "Nazi Barbie" reads to me at though she's referencing something specific from years past, probably in her own writing.

Ann Althouse said...

"That's probably the percentage of the general population of girls in school who were shunned by them too."

I think it's probably higher, more like 5% popular and 95% more or less rejected by the 5%. So what am I trying to say? The set who "achieve something significant later in life"... let's say the top 10% of future achievers. What's the chance that these women would have been popular girls in high school? I assume some popular girls go on to be very successful, but also that many girls who didn't stand out except as nerds. I was estimating that high school popularity gives you some greater chance of being successful in business and social things later on, so I was giving the top 5% of high school popular women 20% of the top 10% of success. The other 80% of the top 10% goes to the hard working, studious, and too-smart-for-high-school-purposes girls.

Ann Althouse said...

See how much trouble I took not to say "nerds"?

Joe said...

The second link is a very strange opinion piece written, it seems, by a post-modern male feminist with an extremely liberal PC steel rod shoved firmly up his ass. He's a yet another humorless writer who takes himself far too seriously.

News flash to Ted Scheinman; Trump is a populist because he's popular and he's popular, in large part, because he says things that offend the likes of you.

Ann Althouse said...

I wasn't a nerd in high school. I was valedictorian, but not by being nerdy. I figured out how to get As, but I spent a lot of time listening to The Who and The Kinks and so forth and excelled (I believe) at Mod fashion (to the point of getting in trouble for it many times). I did a lot of the art and theater things, not the science and math.

Ann Althouse said...

I mean I took trouble not to say "nerds" at the end of that comment, but I accidentally said it earlier on.

I need to take more trouble not to say "nerds."

Frankly, when I went to high school, there weren't nerds so much. Not among the girls, really. Maybe a few boys.

Laura said...

"What proportion of women who achieve something significant later in life do you think were shunned by the kewl girls in high school? I'm guessing 80%, at least."

Bullies of the world unite. Your contributions to society have been devalued. Who knew that fascist women are the societal drivers? (That is, besides Macbeth and the Chinese imperial court...)

Ms. Paglia may romanticize women's relationships in the past, but at least she, like Karen Armstrong, has a fundamental grasp of the historical impact of technology and political structures in agrarian societies. As for writing about horrific ordeals, Immaculee Ilibagiza has it covered.

As for achieving something significant, do we credit Marie Curie just for the discovery of radium, or add the saga of the Radium Girls?

Char Char Binks, Esq. said...

Trump is not a comedian. He IS a buffoon, and an entertainer, in the sense that the Duck Dynasty people and Honey Boo Boo are entertainers (I'm mostly guessing, as I don't watch those shows). He's a reality-show performer, and his campaign is as much a reality show as "The Apprentice" or "The Amazing Race".

Have you ever wondered why Taylor Swift always has her hair covering the space between her eyebrows? She has strange looking forehead/brow ridge, that's why.

Char Char Binks, Esq. said...

Ann Althouse said...
"I once asked my father what it could possibly be that made a particular girl popular... My father said: "Isn't she promiscuous?"'.

Maybe he was telling you to step up your game.