By: Brooklyn Nelson

With more than 135 million viewers watching the Super Bowl Halftime Show LX, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, also known as Bad Bunny, became the most watched half time show in history. The use of symbolism weaved throughout his performance rebranded America in the light of what it should look like: a celebration of cultures. In his 14 minutes of screen time, Bad Bunny set in motion a sense of unity within our country and even Fayetteville. 

“His message inspired others by showcasing how powerful love and kindness is in times of oppression, hatred and violence,” University of Arkansas student Adahy Espinoza said. “It united people and gave a voice to those who are in fear.”

Freshman U of A student Olivia Savage agrees that his message of community being bigger than anything else was an important topic to represent with his time on the stage. 

“I think it really showed people that no matter where you’re from you are still part of a community and you still have people around you,” Savage said. “Community spans bigger than what you think and you can always find love and support no matter where you go.”

The overall message that love prevails was encouraging to see according to U of A student Tony Interiano.

“His message was extremely inspiring, especially to me and my community,” Interiano said. “It’s very difficult to not be blinded by hate with the things that are going on in the world.”

While currently living in a society where hatred seems normalized, Espinoza feels his message was a good reminder that community is not something you find, it’s something in your heart that you are born with.

 “It is no one’s place to take that [community] away from you,” Espinoza said. “Let alone hate you for it.”

Despite the controversy of Bad Bunny performing as the half time show entertainment, viewers thought he did a great job at sticking to his original style and not switching gears based on his environment. 

“I liked how he stuck to himself and stuck to his guns,” Savage said. “He didn’t crumple under the pressure of people to change his performance and change his roots and who he is as an artist.” 

Espinoza hadn’t followed up on social media about the discrimination Bad Bunny was receiving before his performance, but she knew he would not care and would stick to what he knows despite the hate. Interiano also mentioned that is not who he is. He doubts Bad Bunny cares about what everyone else is saying.

Even though his lyrics are in Spanish, his message still came across smoothly to the audience members unable to understand his lyrics. Through his use of choreography, inclusivity and even set design, Bad Bunny found a creative way to get his point across to everyone watching. Ending his show by naming off all the countries represented in the United States along with their flags was a piece that stuck out to sophomore U of A student Willow Broach. 

“I thought it was cool whenever he was calling out all the different countries,” Broach said. “We have a very large Hispanic community here, so I’m sure it was nice to see representation.”

After his performance, people used social media platforms to convene about all the parts people noticed and loved the most. According to Broach, she was inspired by the videos people posted of them screaming with pride when he called out their country’s name on television. 

Espinoza agrees that the show was great in this way and also loved how he imitated parts of everyday life to help bring attention to Hispanic culture.

“My favorite parts were the little discrete highlights of Hispanic culture that would pop through,” Espinoza said. “Like the little kid that was sleeping on the chair being a reference to something most Latino kids experienced growing up at family functions.”

Finishing his show with more than a dozen flags held high into the air, Bad Bunny presented a message that broadcasted across the stadium and onto live television stating, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” This moved both Savage and Interiano. 

“This showed people of a different race that they do belong in America, they are important here and they are a part of our culture and environment,” Savage said. “Even though you’re different, America really is about being different from everyone else, bringing it all together and meeting people in the middle.”

A message that seems simple yet is extraordinary to hear in a world where hatred is normalized and publicized, Bad Bunny’s message has inspired people who continue to advocate for a country united through cultures, languages, and people. 

“Love is the only thing that can beat hate,” Broach said. “America thrives on diversity.”