In the wake of Taylor Swift’s latest album, ‘Midnights,’ which has been met with both praise and criticism, it’s worth revisiting one of the best coming-of-age rom-coms ever made, ’10 Things I Hate About You,’ and its iconic protagonist, Kat Stratford. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ the film stars Julia Stiles as Kat, a rebellious and outspoken teenager who falls in love with the equally brooding Patrick Verona, played by Heath Ledger.
Kat is a true tortured poet, a misfit who is both assertive and vulnerable. She’s not afraid to express her opinions, even when they’re unpopular, and she’s not afraid to be herself, even when it makes others uncomfortable. She’s a Riot Grrrl before the term was even coined, and her character is a reminder that being angry and being yourself are not mutually exclusive.
Kat’s journey in ’10 Things I Hate About You’ is one of self-discovery and acceptance. She learns to embrace her own unique qualities, and she learns that it’s okay to be different. She also learns that love doesn’t have to change who you are, and that it can actually make you stronger.
In many ways, Kat Stratford is the prototype for Taylor Swift. Both women are strong, independent, and outspoken. They’re both not afraid to express their opinions, and they’re both not afraid to be themselves. They’re also both tortured poets, who use their art to express their pain and their joy. Ultimately, both Kat Stratford and Taylor Swift remind us that it’s okay to be different, and that it’s okay to be yourself.
