Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show was more than entertainment; it was a powerful statement on Puerto Rican identity and independence. Featuring the `cuatro puertorriqueño` and a "God Bless América" speech that embraced the entire hemisphere, he subtly challenged the US-centric definition of "American" and advocated for Puerto Rico's recognition as a nation, not just a US territory.
The article analyzes Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time performance as a profound cultural and political statement on Puerto Rican identity and independence. The author highlights the significant appearance of the `cuatro puertorriqueño`, a symbol of Puerto Rican pride, and uses it to spark a discussion on Puerto Rico's status as a "colony" with a national instrument. Bad Bunny, a staunch advocate for independence, wove this message throughout his show, referencing Eugenio Maria de Hostos's vision of a free Puerto Rico and a united Americas. His "God Bless América" declaration, followed by a list of countries across the hemisphere and a parade of flags placing the US on equal footing, served as a powerful redefinition of "American" beyond its exclusive application to the United States. The piece critically examines colonial terminology like "territory," "commonwealth," and "mainland," and especially the term "American," arguing that Bad Bunny's performance joyfully pushed back against US-centrism, inviting the US to see itself as part of a larger, diverse hemisphere.
