A Celebration of Latinx Culture on the World Stage
When Bad Bunny took the stage at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, the Puerto Rican superstar brought his signature blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, and unapologetic cultural pride to one of the most-watched events in the world. For millions of Latinx viewers, it was a moment of celebration—a long-overdue recognition of their music, language, and identity on a global platform. But for some on the political right, it was an opportunity to unleash a wave of xenophobia and cultural intolerance.
The Backlash: Xenophobia Masquerading as Patriotism
The backlash was swift. Conservative commentators and social media users criticized Bad Bunny for performing primarily in Spanish, accusing him of “divisiveness” and even suggesting that he was “erasing American culture.” One prominent right-wing pundit tweeted, “Why are we allowing a Spanish-speaking artist to dominate the Super Bowl? This is America—speak English!” Another complained that the performance was “too woke” and alienating to “real Americans.”
These reactions are ugly, but they’re not new. They’re part of a long history of resistance to the growing influence of Latinx culture in the United States—a resistance rooted in fear, ignorance, and a desire to maintain a narrow, exclusionary vision of what it means to be “American.”
A History of Cultural Resistance in America
The United States has always been a multilingual, multicultural nation, but this reality has often been met with hostility by those who cling to the myth of a monolithic American identity. From the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the 19th century to the “English-only” movements of the 1980s, the pushback against non-English languages and cultures has been a recurring theme in American history.
Bad Bunny’s Message of Inclusivity
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was simply the latest flashpoint in this ongoing cultural battle. By choosing to perform in Spanish, he was not only staying true to his artistic roots but also sending a powerful message of inclusivity. For Latinx communities, language is more than just a means of communication—it’s a vital part of their heritage and identity. To demand that artists like Bad Bunny abandon their native tongue is to demand that they erase a fundamental part of who they are.
The Hypocrisy of the Backlash
What’s particularly striking about the backlash is its hypocrisy. The same conservatives who accuse Bad Bunny of being “divisive” often celebrate the global dominance of American culture, from Hollywood movies to pop music. They see no contradiction in exporting American culture to the world while resisting the influence of other cultures at home.
Moreover, the criticism of Bad Bunny’s performance ignores the immense popularity of Latinx music in the United States. Reggaeton and Latin trap have become mainstream genres, with artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Rosalía topping the charts and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry. This isn’t a case of a foreign culture “invading” America—it’s a reflection of the rich, multicultural tapestry that defines the country.
A Reminder of the Fight for Cultural Acceptance
The right’s reaction to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is a reminder that, despite decades of progress, the fight for cultural acceptance is far from over. It’s a fight that goes beyond music and entertainment—it’s about who gets to be seen, heard, and valued in American society.
For Latinx communities, Bad Bunny’s performance was a moment of pride and validation. It was a reminder that their voices matter and that their culture has a place on the world’s biggest stage. For the rest of us, it was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes America unique.
The backlash may be ugly, but it’s also a sign of progress. The fact that Bad Bunny’s performance sparked such a heated debate is proof that Latinx culture is no longer on the margins—it’s at the center of the conversation. And that’s something worth celebrating.
As the United States continues to evolve, it’s time to embrace the beauty of its multicultural identity. After all, a nation that can’t celebrate its diversity is a nation that’s lost sight of its soul.
