I am not saying I understood the Super Bowl halftime show. I am saying I support it.
When the performance began and Bad Bunny appeared singing entirely in Spanish, a language I do not understand when spoken, let alone shouted through fireworks, I felt it was important to voice my approval. This was a moment for signaling.
I leaned forward. I nodded thoughtfully, the way people do in documentaries when a narrator says something like, “For centuries, the ritual has remained unchanged.” I did not know what he was saying, but I could tell it was important, because there were dancers and also fire.
At several points I said aloud, “Wow,” which is a word that works in every language and doesn’t require clarification. I also said, “This is good,” in case it was obvious that I had no clue what the lyrics were about, I wanted everyone to know that I approved. I used words like ‘powerful’ and ‘necessary’ so there would be no doubt about my sincerity.
During the performance, I rejected the idea of turning on sub-titles because that would have made the show about me. Instead, I chose to experience the music rather than comprehend it.
Someone asked, “Do you know what he’s saying?” I replied, “That’s not really the point,” which ended the conversation immediately, as planned. I closed my eyes, leaned my head back and assumed of posture of respect.
By the end of the show, I felt proud, not of Bad Bunny, who is obviously doing okay, but of myself. I had crossed a cultural boundary without appropriating it. I successfully celebrated whatever it was that was celebrated while remaining completely unchanged by the experience.
Later, when asked what my favorite part was, I said, “The authenticity,” which is a line that always gives me goosebumps. I don’t choose entertainment to be entertained. I choose it to win the approval of strangers online. I don’t ask whether something is good. I ask whether liking it will impress people who contribute nothing to my quality of life.
By nodding vigorously, thrusting my fist in the air, and posting boldly vague praises on social media, I successfully aligned myself with what many commentators described as “a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture and unity.” Pretty good for a guy who doesn’t even speak Spanish!
(Proverbs 21:2) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
