Why Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance sparked a culture war.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was discussed around the world – sharply criticized by conservative Americans and loudly celebrated by many others. The FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates radio, television, cable and satellite in the United States, received over 2,300 complaints after the show, according to News Channel 3.
A symbol for Puerto Rico
It was clear from the start that Bad Bunny wanted to make a clear statement with his show. He conducted the entire performance in Spanish and used numerous symbols to reference Puerto Rican history and culture – redefining what it means to be American. After all, Puerto Rico, his homeland, is part of the USA as an unincorporated foreign territory; All residents of the island state are therefore US citizens.
Shitstorm from the conservatives
There were no explicit political statements in the show – instead, Bad Bunny relied on signs and symbols. Nevertheless, the appearance triggered an expected shitstorm on the conservative side. Many of the more than 2,300 complaints to the FCC concerned the language in which the performance was conducted.
Examples include statements like: “What an absolute disgrace for America and American families! I’m honestly glad my kids didn’t understand the lyrics to Bad Bunny’s “shit show”” or “I felt discriminated against in my own country; our national sporting events shouldn’t have artists who can’t speak English” and “The halftime show – in a foreign language at that – was the most offensive thing I’ve ever had to experience at a football game” and “I saw the Heard translations of what that clown said: It was vulgar, indecent and literally violated broadcast regulations.”
President Trump also complained about the Puerto Rican singer after the performance. He called the halftime show “absolutely terrible, one of the worst ever!” and as an “insult to the greatness of America.”
124 million viewers
Many also celebrated the show extensively. With 124 million viewers, it was the second most-watched Super Bowl event of all time – Bad Bunny’s halftime performance drew a particularly large number of people in front of the screens.
