We all know Bad Bunny, but not everyone loves him. Announced as the performer for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, Benito “Tito” Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known by his stage name “Bad Bunny,” is currently under heavy fire for his non-English lyrics, critique of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and dislike of President Donald Trump. These reactions and outcries toward Bad Bunny reveal the many racial injustices that still exist toward the Latino community's pride and heritage.
Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, and raised in San Juan, Bad Bunny has greatly upset many Republicans with his Spanish lyrics and his politics.
Rightists have taken to social media to express their anger about Bad Bunny being chosen for the halftime show, calling him a Trump hater and an anti-ICE activist. President Trump, moreover, added that choosing Bad Bunny was “absolutely ridiculous.”
These reactions show intolerance and bigotry.
Critics fail to understand that being an American doesn't mean belonging to or trying to fit into one culture; it means being proud of the multiple heritages and traditions that people hold dear.
After all, America is a land of many cultures and beliefs, all of which make up who we are and the beauty of our nation. We must accept change—and our differences.
The political altercation regarding Bad Bunny’s nomination has also been discussed within Latin’s halls. Some community members, such as Upper School physics teacher Tressa Wilde, opposed the backlash from the conservative media. “I absolutely support [Bad Bunny’s nomination],” Ms. Wilde said. “Hundred percent. I love Tito.”
Not just teachers feel this way. As freshman Jack Ben-Yoseph said, “I am interested in different artists performing for the Super Bowl, and I am excited to see how Bad Bunny's performance will turn out.”
Expanding on Jack’s perspective, freshman Grant Gandhi said, “[Super Bowl] halftime performers shouldn't be based on how good the artist is on paper, but rather how mainstream an artist is at the moment.”
Although some might dislike Bad Bunny's music, he is, undeniably, one of the most prominent artists on the planet. With approximately 84 million monthly listeners on Spotify, his musical following is roughly equivalent to Germany's entire population.
The conservative backlash and the discrimination against Spanish-speaking people have negatively affected immigrants and their feelings of acceptance. How could a nation’s pledge include the words liberty and justice when its people are judged every day based on their background and heritage?
The beauty of America comes from its diversity. The mix of languages, traditions, and cultures is what shapes America today. Instead of complaining about change, we should start embracing it, advocating for it, and begin by accepting this Super Bowl halftime performer.
