With just days left before Super Bowl LX, most, if not all of us, have heard that Bad Bunny, Latin trap and reggaeton icon, will perform during the halftime show. Bad Bunny’s songs feature lyrics in Spanish, not English, and it is for this reason that his nomination has been questioned or condemned by some Americans.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was raised in the municipality of Vega Baja on the north-central coast of Puerto Rico. Though to many of us it may seem obvious, it is worth noting that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that (among other things) Puerto Rico is subject to federal authority and its citizens lack full voting representation and rights. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States longer than New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii have been states. Puerto Rican traditions have played a major role in the development of culture in several major American cities, including New York City, Orlando, and our very own Lancaster.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was raised in the municipality of Vega Baja on the north-central coast of Puerto Rico. Though to many of us it may seem obvious, it is worth noting that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that (among other things) Puerto Rico is subject to federal authority and its citizens lack full voting representation and rights. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States longer than New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii have been states. Puerto Rican traditions have played a major role in the development of culture in several major American cities, including New York City, Orlando, and our very own Lancaster.
According to the 2020 census, Puerto Ricans represent the largest ethnic group in the city of Lancaster (29.2%). Puerto Ricans make their presence felt in the city: last year, Lancaster elected its first ever latin mayor, Jaime Arroyo, a native of Ponce. Puerto Rican food can be found in many Lancaster restaurants. The presence of Puerto Rican culture can be found almost anywhere in Lancaster.
Puerto Rican culture includes a long tradition of musical excellence. Puerto Rican music stars, such as Willie Colón and Marc Anthony, have achieved success in the United States. In the concerts of his most recent DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS tour, Bad Bunny made sure to incorporate the rich musical talent of Puerto Rican culture. Moments in his concerts focused on traditional rhythms and instruments, including the cuatro puertorriqueño, a ten-stringed guitar that sounds unbelievably good when played right. Bad Bunny’s discography has also expanded to include more genres than simply trap and reggaeton. Even the picky might find some interest in his music.
When Bad Bunny performs for Super Bowl LX, don’t change the channel or mute the television. As residents of the city of Lancaster, we should educate ourselves about the cultures that give our city its character. Even if you have no interest in music in Spanish, watch and listen to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show performance. In it, you’ll find an artistic expression of a rich and beautiful small island culture often ignored by mainstream media. Elsewhere in the country, football fans are upset because they don’t think Spanish music is relevant to their communities’ interests. Here in Lancaster, where perhaps more than 30% of the local population identifies as Puerto Rican, and the current mayor is from the island, we can’t make the same excuse. The more you educate yourself about the culture in Lancaster city, the more the city and its events will seem available and appealing to you.
Junior Charlie Burns is the Editorials Editor. His email is cburns1@fandm.edu.