I make geographically appropriate recipes. We make up game themed bingo cards. I try to learn a few players' names. I make an effort to "enjoy" the Super Bowl.
It has been nine years since we last rooted for the Black and Gold in the big game. I remember this because I had a two week old baby and a new big screen television to improve the viewing experience. I don't remember the game itself. In fact, I don't remember a lot about that point in time - thanks to the round the clock feedings. Did we win? But I digress.
My point is, the Super Bowl has been a family activity for a long time, with or without the Steelers, but there is always the big question mark leading up to the show. Yes, there is curiosity surrounding the commercials and who is going to win the bingo prize. (This year it was a box of Valentine's Ding Dongs, $10, and a Chick-fil-A gift card.) But then there is the buzz about the halftime show.
For some reason, this year I was so out of the loop I didn't even know who was performing until the day before. I really don't know how I missed this because I am usually grumbling weeks in advance about the entertainment choice. But even with the late notice I was scratching my head. Shakira and J-Lo? Why?
I guess they have run out of classic rock bands to pick from as it seems many of those talented artists are pushing 80 and others have gone to that great concert hall in the sky. It must be hard trying to find an act that appeals to a large audience a year in advance. When you are trying to plan a show that far ahead, I imagine it would be hard to judge what will be popular around the time the actual game is played.
So for those reasons I am not going to criticize the choice of the two ladies who provided a distraction from football for 15 minutes on Sunday. My premise is that it is possible to plan a "family friendly" show no matter who is lined up to sing.
The Super Bowl is one of the highest rated events of the year and the halftime show usually falls around 8:30 p.m. which could still be considered part of the defunct "Family Viewing Hour" which was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) back in 1975 then overturned in 1977. Under the policy, each television network in the U.S. had a responsibility to air "family-friendly" programming during the first hour of the prime time lineup (8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time).
What can I say? I'm a child of the 70s.
Based on the chatter on social media since Sunday, the reviews go either way. Some were debating who was hotter. Some were trying to figure out who the silver man was who showed up for a minute, rapped with J-Lo and then was gone. Others were chastising Shakira for channeling her inner 3 year old when she repeatedly stuck out her tongue during her performance.
I came into the show with an open mind but once J-Lo took the stage, the repeated butt and crotch shots and the pole dancing made me uncomfortable in my living room with my kids. But to be honest, I was conflicted.
I know how old J-Lo is (50) and I know how hard she had to work to prepare for the show. You can plastic surgery your face all you want but you need to work out for hours a day, and not eat, to have a body like that and move like that at 50. That is a cold hard fact. I am 45, go to the gym 3 times a week and would literally end up in traction if I tried to swing on a pole.
My oldest tried to debate the issue that pole dancing isn't inherently sexual. To which I said, "In that outfit? Nice try, son."
Some have mentioned the lack of controversy after last year's halftime show with band Maroon 5 and lead singer Adam Levine taking off his shirt to expose his tattooed chest during their performance. I have texts to my sister from one year ago saying I felt like I should have been in a room by myself while watching his performance (with a pack of cigarettes for when it was over) not on my couch with my husband, daughter and sons. For me, it isn't about sexism. It is about delivering something that is suitable for families during an event that attracts viewers of all ages.
In my opinion, the show would not have suffered by removing the pole. In fact, if it was that important maybe they could have introduced some firefighters to demonstrate how they use a pole. And maybe if the crotch shots were deemed necessary they could have used those to flash a reminder to ladies about their annual exam. Just sayin'
As the chatter dies down from Super Bowl LIV we have one year to speculate what will await us in 2021. I am not asking for an episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I just want something I wouldn't see on Cinemax.
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