Caffeinated Politics

Longtime readers know that if sports is mentioned on Caffeinated Politics something truly important has happened that warrants the column. News that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will be the star of the Super Bowl halftime show has confirmed that the most racist element in our nation simply does not know how foolish and disgusting they are when they reveal themselves. The superstar sings in Spanish, dances with pride, and brings the glory and thrill of Caribbean rhythm to the stage when he makes an appearance. As a result, over the past week MAGA has lost the rest of their tortured minds when trying to claim something sinister is afoot.

No one can be surprised that this is the latest culture war. It was so utterly predictable. Right-wing social media lit up with outrage from conservative commentators and Trump-aligned sycophants who somehow in their addled minds find Bad Bunny’s NFL selection as an affront. We actually heard them ask “Why is he singing in Spanish?” Then with emphasis, as if we were not aware, added, “This is America!” Only in the twisted world of MAGA would the showcasing of a Puerto Rican superstar for an international audience be viewed as a political provocation.

In case anyone aligned with MAGA is reading this site let me make it clear that Puerto Ricans are Americans. They carry U.S. passports, serve in our military, and pay into federal programs. I could not believe the malarkey that was being spread on right-wing media by those who go out of their way to showcase their blasted ignorance. Meanwhile, the rest of us are aware that Bad Bunny’s presence at the Super Bowl will not be a foreign invasion. Rather it will be a celebration of American diversity, of the richness that comes from being a nation of many voices, many rhythms, and yes, many languages. MAGA simply needs to pull their heads out of Trump’s racist backside and grow up.

I have had my beefs with the NFL over the years. From projecting toxic hyper-masculinty to not being more diligent about preventing brain injuries. But I want to say that this time the NFL got it right about their selection of the star for their biggest night. Trump and MAGA might not understand it but the NFL is not a branch of the federal government. It is a private organization with the right to book whomever it pleases for the Super Bowl show. That once was a Republican foundation when they talked about free enterprise. And when the NFL chooses to spotlight a global icon like Bad Bunny, it’s exercising that freedom.

The MAGA outrage machine thrives on racism, resentments, and their overused stale grievances. I am so tired of them taking every act of inclusion and seeing it as a threat to their lives. Most Americans really do find it appalling MAGA thinks every deviation from white, English-speaking norms is a betrayal of some kind. The vast majority of our citizens understands and welcomes the reality of a changing America. In the real America there is DIVERSITY. So, yes, it is pathetically shameful to watch MAGA prattle on as they do with their racist snits about a much beloved superstar who speaks more than one language.

Here is a prediction from this desk on the Madison isthmus. When the Super Bowl show is over there will be joy across this country and pride about the richness of diversity we have among our people. I predict that MAGA will angrily write on social media Super Bowl Sunday while the rest of the nation dances.