We spent Sunday evening outside watching the Super Bowl with friends – half of our family cheering for the 49ers, half of the family cheering for the Chiefs. (I think the only way we will ever be united in cheering for a Super Bowl team is if the Packers or Cardinals ever make an appearance!)
As far as games go – it was interesting and exciting until the very last minute – which is exactly what I would hope for in a Super Bowl.
After a great game and some awesome commercials, I wasn’t entirely surprised that the conversation the next day was heavy on the half time show. It proved to be controversial and it had both sides buzzing.
We watched some of the halftime show and at some point realized it wasn’t anything any of us wanted our families watching so we turned it off. So even as I read some of the controversy, I wasn’t entirely sure what they were referring to because we didn’t end up seeing most of it.
What I don’t fully understand is why when someone (or in this case a whole lot of “someones”) choose to speak up and to share their dislike for it they are suddenly viewed as intolerant. They are shaming. They are racist. And more than anything they hate and want to hold down all women. (Said with all the exaggeration of all the crazy comments I read). Can’t someone share a dissenting opinion? Can’t someone say they love the singers but didn’t like the show? Can’t someone say they think the show went too far? Or even claim it was not family friendly and should be rated accordingly?
Although this example relates to a particular event, it is indicative of our society and the hatred that seems to be simmering just below the surface. We are so quick to bite at people who share a different opinion or moral view. We are quick to find offense in any and all comments and more than anything we seem to be looking for a fight. Let me tell you – you will always find a reason to fight if you’re looking for it. And I think we can all agree that the anonymity on the Internet is huge factor in our growing problem. People are picking fights and saying things online that they would never say to someone they know.
The internet is too convenient for opinion and even more inconvenient for love.
I agree with every word of this post! Sad that our world has come to this.
I totally agree!
Parents Music Resource Center. Tipper Gore wife of VP Gore a democrat wanted a way to let parents know about lyrics and was a part of this. This was about the performance more than the lyrics but people wanting to know ahead of time the content and appropriateness is not being uptight or racist. I don’t believe pole dancing is traditional in Hispanic culture. People are free to love or hate it. It’s America. The problem was people were expecting something different. The advertisers do want the most viewers and the viewers that match the ads the created. So viewers (families) turning it off is a problem. Performances are supposed to be about the audience not the performer.
Thanks for the info – this will be a great resource as my kids love listening to music. I do wish they would go back to a more family friendly half-time show – but as so many have pointed out – if you don’t like it than don’t watch it. And we won’t. But you’re right about advertisers, they pay good money for those slots and I don’t believe they track metrics for how many people turn it off at half-time because of a poor choice in entertainment.
I’m here to say YES to your question. We can disagree and be civil and understanding. I watched the half time show (with my family) and really enjoyed the performances. I loved seeing those strong women showcasing their tremendous talent. If I’m completely honest (much to my husband’s dismay), I have a much harder time with my kids running at each other head first trying to knock each other down imitating football players than dancing and singing around the house trying to act like JLo.
All that said, I absolutely believe in your right to feel differently. It’s so easy to label and dismiss people without actually trying to understand a different perspective. I hope we can all find the grace to do better in the future. I know I’m going to keep trying and I suspect you will too.
I totally agree! The internet makes it so easy to jump on and criticize people for whatever it may be – and in all reality if you actually knew that person in real life you would never say such hurtful words. Like you said, I’ll keep trying to first act with love – and hope to teach my kids the same principle.
Hi Kara, I’ve read your blog for a few years and I appreciate your practicality, humility, and the way you document your lives – it reminds me of life in the US. I also love your month in 2 minutes videos! As a non-Mormon with some similar spiritual beliefs, I also find learning about Mormonism fascinating.
I hope you don’t mind me expressing a different opinion here. I grew up in a relatively conservative midwestern town, so I understand where you are coming from regarding the Super Bowl halftime show. I’ve now lived in Europe for most of my adult life, and some of my best friends are from Spain and Latin America.
My observation is that across Europe attitudes towards sexuality and sexual expression are much more relaxed than in the US. That means that children are exposed to more sexual content from a young age. That doesn’t turn them into sex-crazed heathens, but actually just makes it a more normal part of life. By taking away some of the mystery and instilling normalcy, it actually creates a more balanced relationship with sex. It’s just not something taboo the way it is in the US.
Did you know that the US states with the highest porn views are also the most conservative? Public piety doesn’t equal a balanced relationship with sexuality, a part of who we all are.
I realize that to the conservative US this seems crazy. To Europe, it’s just a part of life. I personally loved the halftime show. Shakira and J.Lo were powerful women embracing their beauty and incredible talents. Was the pole dance necessary? No. Is it worth being offended by? Also no.
Having seen lots of Latin dance, I will add that the halftime show was toned down for the US audience – the men and women didn’t actually touch while dancing together, for example.
I’m not sure why I was inspired to write such a long comment, but I do find this discussion something that needs to happen in the US. I loved your comment about accepting differences. What is an acceptable norm in much of the world is not offensive – just different. As we become an increasingly global culture, isn’t it better to teach kids to understand and accept differences, rather than making something taboo and offensive?
I will add that they stated the theme of their performance was a celebration of unity, diversity, and peace – which I love! Also loved your comment about sharing love – always!
Thank you for sharing your perspective – I can only imagine how different the culture is in the states as opposed to some of the places you’ve lived, especially Europe. And I agree that culturally, we definitely treat sexuality different – I do think it’s becoming more of a conversation and parents are talking more openly with kids at a much younger age than ever before which makes it less taboo. (I don’t know about you, but the conservative home I was raised in was not having any such conversations!!) Thanks for taking the time to share for thoughts – I love a good conversation!