Taylor Swift’s proud self-identification as a “childless cat lady” in a post supporting Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, is both a sign of the times and a milestone.
Women are becoming more politically engaged than ever, on a global scale, and increasingly progressive, as they finally realize that the personal is political and that their hard-won rights, achieved through pain and struggle, are never entirely secure.
The Economist’s article “The Growing Gulf Between Young Men and Women” describes the phenomenon of the political gap between young men and women.
Even though for the incredibly beautiful and wealthy Taylor Swift, the statement is neither brave nor risky, but provocatively and defiantly ironic, it signifies the official reclamation of the term “cat lady”. It opens the door for every woman to embrace it fearlessly because, for many, it’s the best possible alternative.
Every day, there are men who tell women who dare to deviate from societal stereotypes and expectations—or who simply refuse to stay silent—sarcastic and mocking remarks like, “you’ll end up alone with your cats.” Perhaps it’s time they rethink this “joke” and start wondering why women are choosing cats (or dogs or succulents) over the available men.
The era of women feeling ashamed for being alone with their cats is over. It is now a conscious choice. They evaluate the men available and choose to stay out of the game.
So let’s reconsider the cat-lady stereotype and whom it really insults. Because for women—who, throughout history, could never freely make this choice—it is an earned victory.
- When you gain education, you reject people who deny science and those who are racist, homophobic, intolerant, and bigoted.
- When you read more, travel, and broaden your mind, you may reject organized religion and the Church.
- When you work and become financially independent, you reject men whose only offer is financial support.
- When you develop class consciousness, you reject conservatives and far-right ideologies.
- When you undergo feminist awakening, you reject misogynists and sexists—even benevolent ones—because you want to be seen as an equal human being, not a delicate flower or an ethereal creature.
- When you learn about healthy relationships and what constitutes abuse, you reject controlling, jealous partners who try to dictate your life and mould you into what they want.
- When you go through therapy, you reject emotionally unavailable partners—or at least you stop torturing yourself trying to make such relationships work. You stop telling yourself you can survive on crumbs. You want it all or nothing.
And sometimes, you end up alone. But this solitude is hard-earned. It is costly and precious, even if it hurts. However, you might have a soft, purring kitty in your lap.
