#Swiftie #dads #room #Kristin #Lundell
Kristin Lundell
COMMENT. This week I learned a new expression: “swiftie dads” – fathers who passionately share an interest in Taylor Swift with his daughters. This apparently global movement with “swiftie dads” also exists in Sweden and before the American pop giant plays three gigs in Stockholm, May 17–19, DN has interviewed four of them.
I will willingly admit that the term “swiftie dads” tickles my bad sides. My dear, I think it sounds like a nice cover band playing “Shake it off” in an outdoor pub in Kilkenny, but there’s something a little itchy about it all. The fathers who are going to get into the mix.
Maybe I should be more positive about this commitment. Am I perhaps a stranger to the phenomenon because when I was 13 years old and a Take that fanatic, there were no “Take daddies” who wanted to discuss the incredible lyrics on the masterful record “Everything changes”. My dad and I never had any heated arguments about who by Mark, Howard, Jason, Gary and Robbie who should be ennobled first. The fandom was mine and mine alone. I’ve never had as much fun as when I was a Take that fanatic. That deep connection with others, I guess that’s what football supporters must feel.
Now be fatherly and give your seat to a ticketless “swiftie”.
So my attitude is, as always, when parents have to completely indulge their children’s idols: Back out of the room immediately. Shut up and this applies to you too Ulf Kristersson who certainly doesn’t call himself “swiftie dad” but who slipped in the other day and on his Instagram not only praised the new Taylor album but pointed out that he liked her for a long time. What grade does the prime minister give the record? 4 out of 5. Now we are waiting for one meet and greet-selfie from the concert. You know it’s coming.
To you “swiftie dads” who managed to get their hands on a coveted ticket to one of the concerts, I just want to say: Now be fatherly and give your seat to a ticketless “swiftie” who is sobbing outside. Then settle yourselves in a pub, with a good beer and an evening paper, and wait for the gig to end. As concert fathers have always done. On the way home, the children can tell you all about the concert. It will be cozy.
Kristin Lundell is a writer and editor on Expressen’s culture page.
