Introduction to the Controversy
Is there a better inkblot test for America right now than reaction to Bad Bunny being the halftime act for Super Bowl LX? Soon after his name was announced, social media exploded into meritocracy debates as if the National Football League’s decisions are culturally motivated and not commercially. Taylor Swift is the most streamed artist in Spotify history. Bad Bunny is No. 2. For a domestic sports league trying to grow its popularity globally, the rationale seems clear.
Misconceptions and Outrage
And yet because he is a Puerto Rican who sings in Spanish, conservative talking heads must project outrage and offer listeners nonsensical objections. “It’s so shameful they’ve decided to pick somebody who seems to hate America so much to represent them at the halftime show,” Corey Lewandowski, a longtime confidant of President Trump who currently advises the Department of Homeland Security, told conservative podcast host Benny Johnson. “We should be trying to be inclusive, not exclusive. There are plenty of great bands and entertainment people who could be playing at that show that would be bringing people together and not separating them.”
Historical Context and Geography Lesson
Suggesting Bad Bunny hates America is an interesting take given Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. The three-time Grammy winner also has four No. 1 albums on the very American Billboard pop charts and has already performed during halftime at the Super Bowl back in 2020 with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. The Federal Communications Commission received more than 1,300 complaints about the show that year with the vast majority being from parents complaining about the stripper pole and twerking of the women, not Bad Bunny’s alleged hate of America. In 2006, a Super Bowl held in the heart of Detroit — the birthplace of Motown — rolled out the Rolling Stones, who are from London. In 2010, a Super Bowl in Miami — home of salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz — gave us the Who … who are also from England. In 2002, months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U2 — a band from Dublin, Ireland — did the show. There is a decades-long precedent for non-Americans to headline the Super Bowl. Though, again, quick geography lesson: Puerto Rico is part of the United States and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.
Language and Patriotism
Detractors like Lewandowski and Johnson want to make English being Bad Bunny’s second language an indictment of his patriotism, as if growing up speaking English is a criterion for citizenship. It isn’t and never has been. Perhaps instead of using their platform to stir fear at a time when calm is needed, the two could see next February’s show as an opportunity to grow. Because honestly, it is so counterproductive to allow influential voices to gaslight the country into forgetting the milestones it’s already crossed. “La Bamba” by Los Lobos was sung in Spanish and hit No. 1 nearly 40 years ago. The only English in the K-pop hit “Gangnam Style” is “hey, sexy lady,” and that song made PSY an international sensation.
The Importance of Bilingualism
Instead of making people fear Spanish at the Super Bowl, maybe encourage them to spend this NFL season learning something beyond “gracias.“ Because in this world, there are people who choose to speak in English and there are people who have no other choice. Only one of those scenarios feels like freedom to me. That was the topic of discussion in the summer of 2008 after then-Sen. Barack Obama said this at a campaign stop in Georgia: “Understand this, instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English — they’ll learn English — you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. You should be thinking about how can your child become bilingual.” At the time many conservatives — such as Tucker Carlson and Lou Dobbs — used those comments not as a prompt to debate the merits of Obama’s remarks regarding U.S. education but as a weapon to attack him.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection as the halftime act for Super Bowl LX is unwarranted and rooted in misconceptions about language, culture, and patriotism. By embracing bilingualism and cultural diversity, we can promote a more inclusive and accepting society. As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, it is essential to recognize the value of diversity and the importance of language in bridging cultural gaps. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and understanding world, where everyone can appreciate the beauty of different languages and cultures.
FAQs
- Is Bad Bunny a U.S. citizen?
Yes, Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen, as Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. - Has Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl before?
Yes, Bad Bunny performed during halftime at the Super Bowl in 2020 with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. - What is the significance of Bad Bunny being selected as the halftime act for Super Bowl LX?
Bad Bunny’s selection as the halftime act for Super Bowl LX is significant because it represents a milestone in the recognition of Latinx culture and the importance of bilingualism in the United States. - What can we learn from the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection?
We can learn that language and culture are essential aspects of our identity, and by embracing diversity and promoting bilingualism, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society. - How can we promote bilingualism and cultural diversity?
We can promote bilingualism and cultural diversity by encouraging language learning, appreciating different cultures, and recognizing the value of diversity in our society.
