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Super Bowl LVIII is almost here. As one of the most-watched American sporting events of the year, more than 100 million people are expected to tune in this Sunday to see the Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots. Since the modern Super Bowl has become infamous as a high-profile entertainment extravaganza, even folks who could care less about the final score will probably still watch for the over-the-top commercials and halftime show performances (remember Super Bowl 50, better known as the Beyonce concert with some sports thing happening?).

Unsurprisingly, this year’s halftime show has become the epicenter of another new culture war if you will, with one Colin Kaepernick at the eye of the storm. Because even though Colin has not played in the NFL for two seasons, he is still very much influencing the decision-making for this weekend’s big event.

Seems everyone has an opinion on who (if anyone) should be participating in the halftime show – which is pretty much boiling down to a “you can’t sit at my table” sort of debate. The Colin supporters have been very vocal about their position: appearing at the Super Bowl equates to an endorsement of the NFL and its treatment toward Kaepernick. Accordingly, Cardi B, Pink, and Rihanna are among the musicians who have reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform in this year’s halftime show in support of the former NFL quarterback, who has accused NFL team owners of colluding to blackball him from the league — making the hot question for this weekend’s game not who’s gonna take home the Lombardi trophy, but rather: to perform or not to perform?

Naturally, the politics of support are nuanced here and don’t fit into the clean lines that we’d probably like them to. So, with only a few hours left before the big game, here are three questions to ponder:

1. In the eyes of the culture critics, has Travis Scott redeemed himself by requiring the NFL to donate to a social justice cause? Or nah?  

On January 13, Travis Scott and Big Boi were finally confirmed for the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show after several weeks of speculation. And basically, nobody is here for it. News of Scott’s anticipated performance has been met with heavy criticism from folks like Michael B Jordan and Al Sharpton, who went as far to say, “I think anyone that goes into the halftime show is in effect directly violating those that want to raise the question that the NFL should come to terms with what they have done and what they continue to do with Colin Kaepernick and those who protest on criminal justice issues.” According to Variety, Jay-Z, who has been highly critical of the NFL over its treatment of Kaepernick, reportedly attempted to talk Scott out of performing– clearly to no avail.

As far as the critics are concerned, Scott has figuratively crossed the line for agreeing to participate in the halftime show, but to his credit, Scott did not accept the opportunity to appear without some significant conditions. Before agreeing to participate, he required the NFL to make a joint donation in the amount of $500,000 to Dream Corps, a social justice organization founded by Van Jones, and also agreed to work with the NFL on additional initiatives.

In response to some of the backlash, Scott says, “I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in. I know being an artist that its in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl Halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change.”

So, is this enough to get Scott invited back to family bbq or does he have to make a to go plate?

2. As a longtime civil rights advocate, Gladys Knight get an automatic pass?

Like Scott, Atlanta native Gladys Knight has also caught some flak for agreeing to perform at the Super Bowl. She will be performing the National Anthem — the same anthem that Kaep took a knee for. Knight politely clapped back to her critics in a written statement, “I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice. It is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone…I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 to give the Anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words…..I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s Anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII. I pray that this National Anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us.” But despite her prayer, good intentions, and well wishes, folks are still not here for her either. Like for example, Kelly Rowland (who is playing Knight in the upcoming series American Soul), who says she respects Gladys’ decision to perform, but also has given her reasons why she would have declined the halftime show invitation.

3. If Cardi doesn’t do the halftime show, but still appears in a Super Bowl commercial, is she still with Kaep?

Cardi B has been another strong supporter of Kaepernick and his movement, going so far as to say “As long as you kneel with us, we gonna keep standing for you, baby.” Despite allegedly turning down the halftime show invitation, Cardi is still getting a Super Bowl check because of her appearance in Pepsi’s Super Bowl commercial. Now, I don’t mean to split hairs here — because let’s be serious I’m still in student loan debt and Cardi is still getting that schmoney and I’m not mad at it — but if avoiding the Super Bowl is a form of protest, it seems like appearing in Pepsi’s super bowl commercial (the same Pepsi who also happens to be sponsoring the halftime show) might as well be the same as performing in the halftime show, right? Like even if she’s not be supporting the NFL directly, it’s about the principle of the matter and the association alone is enough, no?

Not for nothing, but by choosing to participate Scott and Knight have the opportunity to make a statement in front of literally millions of people –whether they choose to do anything with that type of visibility, well we’ll just have to wait and see. And whether you choose to watch or not, I hope you still rooting for everybody black.

featured, sports; nfl

By Nyasha F

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