David Delloso, Lion’s Eye Editor, dud45@psu.edu
On the night of Sunday, February 2, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl., Super Bowl was played. Patrons watched as Coach Andy Reid lead his Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Fans reveled in Reid’s 222 win which earned him his first Super Bowl title and the first for Kansas City in 50 years.
Fans from all over the country flocked to Miami to witness what is categorized as a great American tradition. Fans who are dedicated to their teams and fans who simply attend for the novelty are equally expected to attend. Some of the fascination of the Super Bowl comes from the pace and aggression of the game.
“The Super Bowl is one of the manliest cultural displays on the planet,” reported Alyssa Rosenberg to The Washington Post. “A huge celebration of men doing lightly regulated violence unto themselves and each other.”
However, fans are given more than just football. After the first two quarters, fans are treated to the Super Bowl Halftime Show. This year’s show was headlined by stars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
Shakira and Lopez, and U.S. National Anthem singer Demi Lovato, contrasted the masculine presence of the players.
Yet for the visual display they gave the audience, the appearance and routine are causing concern. Fans and Penn State Brandywine students have noted their concerns with the show being unsuitable for a home viewing family.
The entrance of Lopez raised concerns as many consider dancing poles not family friendly or suitable for all ages. Likewise, Shakira’s disappearing attire also raised red flags.
“J-Lo entered the stage on a stripper pole, wearing leather chaps that gave way to a bedazzled, barely-there bodysuit,” reported Rosenberg. “Shakira’s already tiny outfit shrank as the night went on.”
Penn State student Dylan Mokshefsky voiced his opinion about the performance and their attire.
“J-Lo and Shakira crushed it,” said Mokshefsky. “It was a little more raunchy than I think we are used to.”
However, journalists Jorge Iber and Mario Longoria had a strong opinion in their Hot-Take for NBC News. The pair were very heartened by the performance and are looking forward to the Hispanic heritage in the NFL that may result from the show.
“Super Bowl’s halftime show was historic,” was the headline of Iber and Longoria’s Hot-Take article. The pair later noted the performance, “will certainly be remembered as one of the most impressive performances of the past decade.”
Penn State students Vuk Radulovic and Nikola Radulovic had an opinion similar to Iber and Longoria.
“The halftime performance is the only reason I watched the game,” said Radulovic. “Shakira was great during the World Cup so I wanted to see her again.”
Older brother, Nikola, also admired the performance.
“I liked it because it was very energetic because Shakira and Lopez know how to put on a show,” said Radulovic.
A poll gathered over Common Hour on the afternoons of Feb. 4 and 5 collected 27 votes in favor of the halftime show being family friendly to 5 who thought not family friendly for a ratio of over 5 -1.
If you would like to voice your opinion of the Super Bowl Halftime Show or the Super Bowl, contact the Lions Eye on Twitter @TheLionsEye1.