In the midst of a heated political climate, Americans can always count on celebrities to make bold statements during pop-culture events. The halftime show for Super Bowl LX is no exception. This year, Bad Bunny, whose full name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, put on a show for the ages. The Puerto Rican rapper, whose Grammys sweep and recent appearances on Saturday Night Live made him a worldwide sensation, sought to unite rather than divide the country through music. He not only put on an entertaining performance but also layered on political undertones in the halftime show. While not as explicit as some viewers may have hoped, Bad Bunny’s themes revolved around ending hate in America, naming all the countries in the Americas at the end of his performance.
Although Bad Bunny’s performance did not outwardly criticize President Trump, Trump had some choice words following the performance, writing on Truth Social–
“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence. Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A.”
Trump’s statement takes a highly critical stance on the performance, going so far as to say it does not represent core American ideals. His claim that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying” is a true slap in the face to the many Spanish-speaking Americans, one of whom shared with me her feelings about Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. She expressed that not only was it a great performance, but it also showed what it means to be an American, as the country was built by immigrants. They shape our history, as nearly every American is the descendant of an immigrant. Americans come from all different backgrounds and stories, and Bad Bunny’s performance helped to represent that. Regardless of what the president thought, Americans, regardless of political affiliation, tuned in across the United States to watch Bad Bunny’s performance. Here are some highlights from the show’s political messages.
Firstly, the majority of Bad Bunny’s performance takes place in what resembles sugar cane fields. This references colonial history in Puerto Rico, enslavement, and the lasting effects of colonialism in Puerto Rico. Throughout the performance, there are also references to the gentrification of different communities. La Casita and Toñita’s appearance are two nods to protecting the authenticity of Puerto Rican communities and culture. The end of Bad Bunny’s performance really tied his messaging together. “God Bless America!” he exclaims as he rushes more yards down the field than the football players themselves. By naming all the countries in both North and South America, he showcases how unity and love are more powerful than hate.
Bad Bunny truly surprised many Americans by not being openly critical of the current administration, but seeking to showcase the beauty of living in a cultural melting pot. It could be argued that the message he did convey was far stronger: The only thing more powerful than hate is love.
