Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show Was a Message of Pride

Recently, singer Bad Bunny took to the stage on a historic Superbowl halftime show, captivating millions of Americans with his vibrant and lively presence. In spite of his success, the performance was considered a controversial one. Many critics argued that he was not “American” enough to play the event, because he sang in Spanish and referenced hispanic culture. Other commentators felt that the production was anti-American, arguing that Bad Bunny was not a true American artist himself because of his Puerto Rican origins, despite his US citizenship and Puerto Rico being a US territory. 

The real underlying issue may have been that many felt threatened by experiences that they could not relate to. When they think of the American experience, they often have a rigid internal picture of what that is. The true American identity is much more flexible, incorporating tidbits of many different cultures and traditions. One student may go home and speak a different language at the dinner table over a meal originating from a different country, then go to school the next day speaking English. They are no less American than the student sitting next to them in class whose ancestors came on the Mayflower.

Hannah Van Sickle, a researcher at William James College, believes that it’s important for students to see people from various walks of life, especially ones that reflect their own culture. “Representation of diverse perspectives is key. It’s been shown to build confidence and increase belonging among individuals from historically marginalized groups which, when it comes to mental health, might make representation matter even more than in other arenas. It provides diverse groups a seat at the table and ensures their voices and perspectives are heard.” 

A first generation Dominican-American on her dad’s side and a second generation on her mom’s side, senior Isabela Ramirez Genao felt deeply touched by the symbolization she picked up on watching the performance. “While he was performing, it took my breath away, all the scenes like the paragua stand, the grandpas playing dominoes and the ladies doing their nails; all of those things are such a big part of hispanic culture. The fact that he was showing that with the opening scene of his Superbowl performance was really powerful because I could feel a sense of community.” Many like Isabela were overcome with the sentiment of things that they grew up with that one doesn’t often think about as part of a culture until they realize that others with similar upbringings can relate. “Just displaying all of our cultures and seeing different forms of hispanics like black, white, morenos. He included things that we as a collective have experienced, proving that fundamentally we’re all connected,” Ramirez Genao said.

Having a Guatemalan mother and an Argentinian father, junior Ian Villanueva agreed, feeling inspired by the display. “I felt as though he was promoting that love conquers all and we don’t need hate in our lives.”

“I’m half Peruvian and half Chilean. When I moved to the US, I went to a really hispanic high school at first,” junior Thiare Alcazar explained. She described a wave of emotion following Bad Bunny’s performance. “It was really nostalgic because it represented a great part of my childhood…I think what it evoked in a lot of Latinos was a sense of pride.” 

This renewed sense of pride inspired Alcazar: “I think for several years I felt like the Latino identity was something that people made you feel like you should be ashamed of, but after that show, I think like you felt inclined to be more proud of it—what you are, who you are, how you speak, and where you come from. So I guess the message is to be proud of who you are and to be united.” 

The impact made by this year’s Superbowl Halftime Show on the broader hispanic community within the US was immeasurable. Despite the critics, the message of acceptance and pride of who you are and where you came from was well received by many Americans across the country. 

                                                              Works Cited

“Why Representation Matters in Mental Health: Students and Alumni Reflect on the Impact of Their Mentors.” Williamjames.edu, 19 Nov. 2024, www.williamjames.edu/news/why-representation-matters-in-mental-health.html.