Response to Klosterman's "Owner of a Lonely Heart" - DISCLAIMER: I like Taylor Swift.

Response to Klosterman’s “Owner of a Lonely Heart”
Sharon Battula
250 words

I think the way Klosterman approached the writing of the interview significantly enhanced our understanding of Swift as a character rather than an icon. He weaves seemingly disconnected questions into his internal commentary and observations to create an overarching narrative that ultimately presents itself as more genuine and personal.

Periodically, Klosterman throws in phrases like “there’s a long tradition of musicians expressing”, “like almost all famous people”, and “popular people often claim” that recognize her fame and initially serve to distance her from the reader (almost like a reality check that she’s not just a “normal person”). However, after these brief insertions, Klosterman immediately follows up with an anecdote or perspective from Swift that serves to distinguish her from most other famous people and/or subtly challenge the notion that she is contrived and insincere. By juxtaposing general “star” mentality with Swift’s responses, Klosterman makes the reader feel as though they are getting a more intimate and honest look into her identity. Consequently, the reader is inclined to view her as a person to be understood rather than a popstar to be vilified. Klosterman’s charming personality helps.

I appreciate how Klosterman explicitly acknowledges that even the most serious critics inevitably discuss the more tabloid aspects of Swift’s life in the interview and then goes on to capitalize on that factor by titling the article “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. It’s brilliant, in that it draws in those who define her by her “relationship drama” and forces them to see her differently.