Extra Credit: Putting Quotes in Context

In this blog post, I will be discussing quotations from celebrities and putting them into context. The quotes I will discuss are from Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Taylor Swift.

"I'm constantly amazed by the number of people who want to take my picture" - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

1. This is a quote from an interview Ginsburg gave to a popular political magazine, New Republic. During the interview, Ginsburg was discussing her surprise with her sudden internet fame among the younger generation.

2. Knowing that Ginsburg was giving an interview to a magazine makes me think that she is more credible. Ginsburg was taking the time to sit down and give an interview with a credible political magazine, which would indicate that she has given the interview topics some thought.

3. Ginsburg is truly trying to connect with the younger generation, but doesn't understand what makes her so popular. It makes her come across as more likable and relatable. Of course, the quote itself makes me like her more because I perceive her as modest; yet, the quote also made me learn more about her, which has resulted in my newfound respect for her as a leader.

Taylor Swift, screenshot from the "Blank Space" music video

“I wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal this summer that basically portrayed my views on this. I try to stay really open-minded about things, because I do think it's important to be a part of progress. But I think it's really still up for debate whether this is actual progress." - Taylor Swift

1. This quote is from an interview Swift gave to Yahoo. The interview was not exclusively about the streaming incident, but rather was focused on Swift's newest album, 1989.

2. In context, the quote is very different. With context, Swift has the opportunity to explain why she feels that music should not be free. Without context, the quotation sounds a little more aggressive.

3. Knowing the context behind this quote made me respect Swift more. As a musician, I have never understood why artists allow music to be streamed for free when they put so many resources into creating it. Swift voiced her opinions clearly, but with an open mind, which made me respect and agree with her perspective. However, the quote sometimes is taken out of context and is occasionally used to make Swift look bad.