The Super Bowl Halftime show is one of the biggest platforms that an artist can have to speak to the American public, and this year Bad Bunny leveraged the spotlight to preach unity for all of the Americas.
The NFL’s choice sparked controversy throughout the US though most criticism grew from the argument that Bad Bunny is not American despite him being from Puerto Rico which IS a US territory.
Despite major opposition to the performance from right-wing politicians and advocates, Bad Bunny’s performance reached an impressive 128 million viewers during the performance and another 4 billion views on Youtube in the first 24 hours after the game.
The performance was a demonstration of unity and the beauty of Latin American countries in a time when people of Latin American descent in the US are under attack.
It, like Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show last year, was not only a musical performance but a profound protest and political statement against the actions of the current administration.
During the actual performance, Bad Bunny paid homage to his home of Puerto Rico by dressing in white and featuring images of sugarcane fields, Toñita, and electrical poles: all symbols of the country’s deep history.
The white clothing performers wore represents being well dressed, which also connects to a Latin saying, “Esta vestido de punta en blanco” (Dressed in white/ well dressed).
The sugarcane represents PR’s primary cashcrop in the 19th century and the hard workers producing it.
Toñita, one of the last Puerto Rican social club owners, also received a shoutout in Bad Bunny’s song “NuevaYol.” The electrical poles represent the constant blackouts PR receives due to weather and hurricanes, like Hurricane Maria.
Bad Bunny ended his performance by highlighting every country in the western hemisphere, which contributed to his overall message of Pan-Americanism and unity throughout all of America.
Bad Bunny’s message showed that love powers through the hateful rhetoric that is being spread around the United States towards immigrants and Latin voices.
Bad Bunny showed everyone watching that love is more powerful than hate, and it encouraged people to continue to stand up to racism.
Bad Bunny also continuously displayed the beauty of Latin America.
This directly opposed the message of the Turning Point Halftime show, which was fueled by division and hate.
Though you might not be a Bad Bunny fan, he captured the hearts of millions and gained respect that brought him high recognition in the fight against discrimination and racial prejudice. •