As a Latina, raised by a Mexican mother and a Panamanian father who grew up in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance was everything I could’ve dreamed of.
From the choreography, guest stars, and references to Puerto Rican culture; my heart swelled with pride. Seeing my culture portrayed in such a positive, powerful way almost brought me to tears. I saw myself mirrored throughout the performance, from enjoying piragua–hand-scraped snow cones–with my family on a humid, July afternoon in Puerto Rico to being the child that falls asleep at parties.
Puerto Rican superstar, Bad Bunny, or Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, rocked San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 during the Super Bowl halftime show. This performance highlighted popular tracks from his Grammy-winning album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” which translates to “I should’ve taken more photos”.
The halftime performance began in the Puerto Rican countryside. Performers dressed as jibaros, Puerto Rico’s traditional and self-sustaining farmers, skillfully labor in the background. As Bad Bunny cradles a football in his hands, he circled around to the camera and launched into “Tití Me Pregunto,” striding through snapshots of ordinary Latino life, placing our unique experiences centerstage.
Near the end, Bad Bunny carried a Puerto Rican flag down the football field; dozens trail behind him, carrying flags representing other North, South, and Central American countries. Performers dressed in traditional Puerto Rican attire surround him. As “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” echoes in the background, a spectacular fireworks display concludes the show.
My parents have always taught me to be confident in my skin. Yet the pressures society places on women to hold themselves to impossible standards deeply affected me. As a young girl, I remember being embarrassed to call my mother and speak to her in Spanish. My last name was something I detested with my entire soul. The hairs on my arms were something I despised because it didn’t make me feel beautiful. However, I’ve finally learned to live comfortably in my own skin. There’s nothing embarrassing about embracing your culture or being “different” than others.
“Hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí” Bad Bunny said, translating to “I’m at Super Bowl 60 today, because I never, ever stopped believing in myself.”
In today’s political climate, celebrating Latino cultural identity is vital. Raids orchestrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are tearing communities apart. Families are being separated and the American dream is being snatched from the hands of hardworking people. We’re living in an era of division under an administration that preaches insensitivity and indifference. During this time, it’s difficult to recognize the value behind our identities, our lived experiences, and what makes us special. However, it’s important to celebrate our roots rather than be ashamed of them.
As echoed throughout Bad Bunny’s performance, “the only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Reflecting on this historic performance and its display of flags as a reminder that being compassionate and understanding are free. It doesn’t hurt to treat each other with the dignity and respect we’re deserving of.
