Swift’s ticket trouble could drive political engagement

CALIFORNIA: Some of Taylor Swift’s (pic) fans want you to know three things: They’re not still 16, they have careers and resources and, right now, they’re angry.

That’s a powerful political motivator, researchers say.

Look what Ticketmaster made them do. It started yesterday, when millions crowded a presale for Swift’s long-awaited Eras Tour, resulting in crashes, prolonged waits and frantic purchases.

By Thursday, Ticketmaster had cancelled the sale, citing insufficient remaining tickets and inciting a firestorm of outrage from fans.

Ticketmaster apologised but the bad blood had already been sowed. And now fans – and politicians – have started acting on it.

US Rep Alexandria Ocasio-cortez directed Swifties to where they could make US Department of Justice complaints. Multiple state attorneys general have announced investigations.

Stephanie Aly, a New York-based professional who has worked on community organising for progressive politics, for years has thought mobilising fandoms for social progress could be beneficial.

“Fandoms are natural organisers,” said the 33-year-old Swiftie.

“If you find the right issues and you engage them then you can effect real change.”

Aly and Swifties from different industries – law, public relations, cybersecurity and more – have joined forces to create Vigilante Legal, a group targeting Ticketmaster by creating email templates to petition attorneys general and providing antitrust information.

“The level of anger around this issue is astounding,” said Jean Sinzdak, associate director for the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

“People are sharing their feelings and building a movement online. It’s certainly an opportunity to engage people politically.”