Anti-feminism & Casual Racism at Super Bowl® Halftime: Ladies, We’re Never Going to Rise Up If We Keep Tearing Each Other Down by Pilar Clark

Let me help with this Super Bowl® halftime debate. Here are my thoughts...

• Shakira is talented AF. Her body rolls and "don't lie" hips are all belly dance, which comes from her Middle Eastern heritage. That warbling sound she made? It was an Arabic expression of joy and celebration called zaghrouta.

• Jennifer Lopez is talented AF. Her parents stressed the importance of a solid work ethic and being able to speak English. Thanks to that, she is now a profesh powerhouse.

• Puerto Rico is an island. It is also a U.S. Territory still recovering from Hurricane Maria. When J.Lo sang “Born in the USA” with her daughter, Emme, it was a reminder that Puerto Ricans are Americans.

• Emme and other Latinx children in cage-like structures was a representation of the thousands of migrant children who have been neglected, abused and trafficked while being held in U.S. government detention centers.

• Miami is known as the capital of Latin America. The halftime show was a celebration of a vibrant culture.

• Dance requires athleticism, strength and stamina.

• Dancers, gymnasts, swimmers and volleyball players routinely wear body gloves, leotards, bathing suits and bikinis. Some cover a little, some cover a lot. None have anything to do with the wearer's ability or sexuality.

• Pink and Cirque du Soleil performers use poles in their performances regularly to rave reviews. This doesn't make them porn stars.

• You don't need anyone’s permission to be comfortable in your own skin. Wear what you want, dance how you want and touch yourself how you want. Your body is your own.

If the halftime performance made you uncomfortable, reflect as to why. A lot of lateral hostility with its ugly and insecure head has been rolling through my social feeds in reference to the halftime show, and all of it is coming from women. The same women who rage against the patriarchy when it comes to women's rights, who support #metoo and diva cups, but pearl clutch and caterwaul when two women of color show the world what it means to live.

So let me say this louder for the ladies in the back: We’re never going to rise up if we keep tearing each other down.

What do you think?

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