Trump lashes out over Bad Bunny halftime show | DW New

 

This video discusses the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance and Donald Trump's criticism of it (0:00). 

 Trump's Initial Reaction (0:42): Donald Trump announced four months prior to the Super Bowl that he didn't know who Bad Bunny was, even refusing to acknowledge his existence. The "Un-American" Accusation (0:54): Bad Bunny released an all-Spanish ad before the Super Bowl, challenging viewers to learn Spanish to understand his lyrics. This led to outrage among MAGA supporters who deemed it "un-American" and criticized his refusal to sing in English.

  Political Stance and Symbolism (1:43): Bad Bunny has been vocal in criticizing ICE and the crackdown on immigrant communities, even refusing to hold a concert in the US due to fears of his supporters being arrested. The halftime show itself was highly symbolic, featuring: Sugarcane Fields and Workers (2:26): Bad Bunny walked through sugarcane fields with workers displaying traditional pava hats, symbolizing Puerto Rican laborers. 

Message of Self-Belief (2:39): He stated that he performed at the Super Bowl because he stayed true to himself and encouraged others to do the same. Passing the Torch to a New Generation (2:56): Handing his Grammy to a young child was interpreted as showing a new generation of Latinos that they can achieve their dreams. Puerto Rican Flag (3:17): Waving the Puerto Rican flag was a significant symbol, as it was historically forbidden and illegal between 1948 and 1952. Message of Unity and Love (3:33): Bad Bunny concluded the show by saying "God bless America" and emphasizing that "love is stronger than hate."

Why is Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show so controversial? | The Global Story

This video discusses Bad Bunny's controversial Super Bowl halftime performance and his political stances. It covers his background, rise to global fame, and his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration's handling of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (8:22).

Key topics covered in the video include:

• Bad Bunny's Background (1:34): Born in Puerto Rico in 1994, Bad Bunny grew up in a humble family, with his father working as a truck driver and his mother as a teacher. He cultivated his musical talent from a young age, singing in his church choir and later emerging from the SoundCloud scene with Latin trap music.
• Rise to Global Fame (4:04): Bad Bunny's international breakthrough came in 2018 with his feature on Cardi B's hit song "I Like It." His unique style and gender-bending fashion also played a significant role in gaining attention.

• Bad Bunny's music transcends language through several key elements:

  • Resonance and Call and Response (14:11): His music utilizes the "magic of call and response," a fundamental aspect of many musical traditions, particularly those rooted in African and Caribbean cultures. This creates an engaging and interactive experience for listeners, regardless of their Spanish proficiency. The video mentions how even non-Spanish speakers at a Tiny Desk concert were "jamming to it" (13:40).
  • Deep Rhythms (14:34): The music incorporates "very, very old rhythms" that are "sticky for a reason" and have been "effective carriers of culture for hundreds of years." These deep, ingrained rhythms connect with listeners on a primal level, allowing them to feel and respond to the music without needing to understand the lyrics. The podcast highlights that Puerto Rican music, like Caribbean and Black music, uses drums and a "call" that "reaches you in a really deep place" (14:55).
  • Cultural Connection (14:47): The music's roots in Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Black musical traditions contribute to its universal appeal. These genres often prioritize rhythm and feeling, which can be understood and appreciated across cultural and linguistic barriers.
• Puerto Rico's Status (6:45): The video clarifies that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a sovereign state or a U.S. state. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. elections unless they reside on the mainland.
• Political Activism (8:22): Bad Bunny has been consistently critical of the government's response to Hurricane Maria and participated in major protests in Puerto Rico in 2019. His music, particularly his latest album "Debi Haber Tomado Más Fotos" (11:40), is infused with his pride in Puerto Rico and addresses social and political issues.
• Super Bowl Halftime Show (20:30): Despite not touring in the U.S. due to concerns about ICE agents (18:40), Bad Bunny accepted the Super Bowl performance, a move seen as a strategic step in his career to reach a wider audience. The choice of Bad Bunny has angered some conservative groups (21:08), but the NFL likely aimed to attract non-football viewers.
• Expected Performance (22:00): Bad Bunny is expected to perform entirely in Spanish and use the platform to advocate for the dignity of migrants and Latin American people. There's also speculation about whether he will promote Puerto Rican sovereignty during his performance.