5.3.6

Media Contexts

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'The Man' - Media Contexts

A feminist social context shapes the 'The Man' music video.

Illustrative background for Social context: FeminismIllustrative background for Social context: Feminism ?? "content

Social context: Feminism

  • In the music video, Swift transforms herself into “The Man” to:
    • Mock the patriarchy
    • Highlight gender discrimination
    • Show how male privilege works in everyday situations
  • Comedy is used to expose the unfair double standards between men and women.
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Industry context: Masters dispute

  • The subway poster (“Bo$$ Scotch” with “Capitalise on the feeling” and “Greedy” graffiti) is a reference to:
    • Scott Borchetta, founder of Swift’s former label (Big Machine Records).
  • Borchetta owns her master recordings made before 2018.
  • Swift accused him of:
    • Bullying
    • Blocking her from performing old songs on TV
  • This conflict forms a major industry context behind her “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings.
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Personal tone through cameos

  • Friends and family also appear in the video:
    • Scott Swift (Taylor’s father) = tennis line umpire
    • Loren Gray (singer/TikToker) = court attendant
  • Their inclusion adds a personal, self-aware tone to the music video.
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#MeToo movement context

  • The video was influenced by the #MeToo movement.
  • The lyric “When everyone believes ya, what’s that like?” reflects #believewomen.
  • This challenges male privilege and society’s habit of dismissing women’s experiences.
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Swift’s public image & charity work

  • Swift is known for public generosity and charity support:
    • UNICEF
    • Red Cross
    • Disaster relief donations
    • $1 million donation to Nashville tornado fund (2020)
    • Sends money to fans through GoFundMe
  • This reinforces her public persona as socially responsible and compassionate.

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