We need to have a serious talk! And by serious, I mean super serious! Maybe I was naive to think that my blog post last year would be enough, but apparently, it’s not. Not nearly enough. How do I know this, you ask?? Well, it’s pretty obvious: We’re still applying such blatant double standards when it comes to the Super Bowl Halftime Show!!
The social media vitriol started shortly after Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage at halftime for a rousing performance full of power and purpose. They commanded and owned that stadium — two strong women who were confident, electric and fierce. That’s exactly what their performance was, but judging from so many of the comments, not everyone saw it that way. I saw so many people complaining about how the Super Bowl Halftime Show was “not appropriate” and “needed more clothes.” Maybe there’s a rampant case of amnesia going around? Because people seemed fine with Adam Levine strutting on that stage with his shirt off last year. I mean, y’all were practically salivating at his toned abs! Y’all couldn’t get enough! I see you, soccer mom Karen from Nebraska — not a real person, though I’m sure there are plenty of Karens from Nebraska!
But I digress. I suppose my point is this: Why are we still having this conversation in 2020…? Why do we think we have any kind of say over women, their bodies and how they choose to live (and dance! and sing! and be all-around fabulous!) in those bodies? There was SO much pearl clutching and the hypocrisy was off the charts! Did y’all get carpal tunnel from all that pearl clutching? Here’s what you missed while you were too busy clutching those pearls and being uncomfortable — things like a beautiful statement about inclusion, complete with the Puerto Rico’s flag, and a not-so-subtle message about the border crisis, which, Karen from Nebraska, I bet you don’t even give much thought to, do you??
This is what the performance was actually about. It wasn’t about trying to be as overtly sexual as possible. It wasn’t about the shock value. Y’all made it about those things with your internalized misogyny. In fact, J.Lo herself shared these words about the show…
All I want my girls, the little girls on stage with me and all over the world to know is how to use their voices and be proud of everything they are. We are proud to recognize that all of us together are what makes this beautiful country truly great.
That’s why I was really disappointed to see so many women saying this after the Halftime Show yesterday. Why do women continue to be so unnecessarily cruel to each other? And why do we keep sending them these disgusting mixed messages?
We want women to love their bodies…just as long as they’re covered.
We want women to be anything they want to be…just as long as it’s acceptable.
We want women to be powerful and fierce…just as long as it doesn’t make us uncomfortable.
In another Instagram post, J.Lo gave this shout-out to Shakira: “Let’s show the world what two little Latin girls can do.”
J.Lo and Shakira brought the 2020 energy. THAT is what two little Latin girls did and I’m here for it. You should be too!
Did you watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show this year, friends?? What were your thoughts?? xoxo
Margaret says
Great post. I 100% agree. I love your writing by the way:-)
Danette Butcher says
I loved the halftime show, and I love your post.
Myriah says
All of this! They were incredible all around.
Rocío says
I agree with you.
J Lo and Shakira were incredible!!!!
Great show and wonderful women.
stefanie says
infuriating double standards. i cannot think of a better person for children to emulate than Shakira – she is so genuine and has found a way to truly enjoy what she does. every time i watch her perform im in a better mood for days, inspired to move more & read books in spanish & tap into my own greatness. i’m not a fan of j lo but hey, people adore her and i’m fine with whatever SHE wants to do! that’s the other thing – we have to remember not everything is about me me me. just bc i dont resonate with her show doesnt mean i gotta trash it!
thanks for being another fantastic woman to emulate, Melissa! it’s so important to have your influence out there in the world to battle all the misogyny and ugliness thrown our way
Kaseylynn Hadley says
I loved the half time show. Sad the some of us in this world choose to judge other instead of supporting and uplifting each other. Thanks for this Blog post. Hopefully you can reach a few souls who need to hear what you are saying. <3
Miriam says
I completely agree with you, i loved the half time show. We definitely need more women fighting misogyny the way you do!
Chris says
Why are we still concerned about boobs on TV in 2020 America? Isn’t there bigger problems in society, like the possibility of getting shot just going to the grocery store?
KC says
I think the inappropriateness of the super bowl half time show turned the “me too” movement back 20 years. There’s a big difference between Adam Levine strutting around shirtless and Jennifer Lopez bending over so far that we could practically see her anus. Then, if guys start gawking and staring at them, they say “that’s inappropriate” and want to sue. Hypocrisy for sure.
Heidi says
Spot on! Why no pearl clutching over the cheerleaders?