Dear J. Lo & Shakira Half-time Show Haters

When I heard that J. Lo & Shakira were headlining the Super Bowl’s half-time show, I was excited on superficial level. I listen to their music constantly, choreographing for MaZi Dance Fitness and of course growing up as Latina in El Paso, TX. I wanted to watch the half-time show but wasn’t emotionally prepared to watch it. These women blew my mind in every way possible. Not only did they look younger and more beautiful than ever before, they were simply flawless. More than that, they used their fame to say things that need to be said.

Watching the show with my young boys, I felt so proud. They recognized the two languages we speak at home, English & Spanish, were being sung all together. Additionally, they saw dancing and whipping hair, things they associate with their very own mama. NEVER did it cross my mind; this is inappropriate, or, how am I going to explain “THIS” to my sons? On the contrary, they got up, Matteo (5) held my hand and said “mommy, let’s dance!”. It was joy for them and when it was over they both said they wanted to go “there”! Henrick (3), legit thought I was one of the ladies on the stage, saying “mommy, is that you”? I’ll take it!

The Morning After

I went to bed blissfully enchanted by J. Lo & Shakira’s half-time show. A Chicago celeb, Ana Belaval, had rightfully pointed out how beautiful it was to see two strong powerhouse women supporting each other. So on MaZi Dance Fitness, I posted this picture reminiscing on how lucky we’ve been to get to choreograph to these two women’s music for the past 10 years. It was a happy moment.

Then the next morning I started to dig a bit deeper at what people were saying and it was so disheartening on so many levels. I’m not forgetting all the amazing press and supporters of these two Latina women, but I couldn’t believe the vitriol that was also expressed. I couldn’t believe how different our happy perception at home had been. Was I blind? Was it vulgar? Is my perception skewed because I’m a dancer, latin, over 40? So here’s what I say to all the haters…..

Dear J.Lo & Shakira Half-time Show Haters,

For those of you saying it wasn’t kid appropriate: good luck to you raising kids in today’s world.

For those of you pitting these two powerful women against each other, making it into a contest: so sad, really.  No words.

For those of you saying it was anti-feminist: different women are empowered by different things, worry about what empowers YOU.  Also, if you’re not a woman, simply don’t comment. Seriously.

For those of you saying it was vulgar: no, the leaders ignoring our global warming crisis and ignoring Puerto Rico’s dire need for help and letting people die is vulgar.

For those of you saying they don’t know how to explain what was on the screen to their kids: try explaining why the man in the office feels like he can grab women wherever he wants. Make fun of disabled people, and comment on women’s appearance as the main qualifier. 

For those of you that were offended by the women’s outfit choices: It may not be what you chose to wear but are you offended by children in cages? I am.

The Biggest Problem

I’m a Latina mom over 40, that’s danced to all their songs. Of course I’m going to side with J. LO & Shakira on any halftime show controversy. I think one of the things that bothered me the most was making it a competition between the two superstars. Why? Why?! If it were 2 men that had headlined, would we have had a discussion of “who stole the show”? Or “who looked better, younger, sang best, danced more?” No, I don’t think so, and that’s the main problem with our society. How are we as women, as mothers, as businesswomen supposed to win if we are always looking for there to be a zero-sum game?

So no matter where you come from or your political views, if you’re a woman/identify as a woman, you should be bothered it got reduced to a J.LO Vs. Shakira issue. Until this fixed, nothing you care about and nothing I care about will be fixed. I would love to hear your thoughts on the J.Lo & Shakira half-time show. Also, if you have more actionable ideas on how to be more supportive with one another, bring it! XO, Z