We can't admit that two powerful, Latinx women owned the show...so we keep trying to bring them down

I can't believe this is still even in the news after three weeks, but here we are. According to a news article on Yahoo sports, the FCC has received over 1,500 complaints in regards to the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Coming in from roughly 49 states, it appears that these complaints range from anger over the use of a stripper pole to indignation that they may have "touched their crotch."

Is this really where we are as a society?

Now, there are several issues with these complaints, but really, there a few main points that really touch on where these people are completely missing the mark. The first point is really this: have you ever heard or seen Shakira or J-Lo? These are two of the most powerful entertainers in the world. Are they very talented singers? Of course they are, but they are much, much more than that. Both of these women are also incredible dancers that have shaped their careers around their ability to sing and dance. Additionally, yes, they are also attractive women that understand the power of their sex appeal. So, you have two women known for their ability to sing and dance while embracing their appearance (which they both put in the work to maintain at 43 and 50), and what do you get? A show exactly like what we got: two powerful entertainers lighting up the stage.

Secondly, we need to look at the environment this (and other performances) are staged in. Regardless of whether you believe this should be "family friendly" or not, the average age of NFL viewership is 18+ which makes them legal adults. Having said that, if your kids were watching the game (which is likely), you could have known what the halftime show was going to be like in the first 5 minutes. Argue if you would like about feeling slighted by having to exclude your kids, but the NFL is in a position where this is best for them. Viewership is down (including the Super Bowl), and they are trying to bring people back. Bringing in two powerful, talented, and attractive women can appeal across the board.

Thirdly, there still remains the significant issue of sexism and a double standard. You can call Shakira and J-Lo's dancing suggestive all you want, but they are certainly not the first to lean on sex appeal. Last year, in a widely panned show, Adam Levine completely removed his top, and Maroon 5's music is known for suggestive lyrics. However, according to article, guess how many complaints were sent in for that? 55. The truth is Adam was completely naked from the waist up while both Shakira and J-Lo were covered at all times in all "private areas." If you actually took the time to look, you will notice that even their legs were covered even though it was with a shear material; there was no risk of anything "popping out" or showing (like Janet Jackson which brought in 500,000+ complaints).

Look, as a country, we are very much still conservative and reserved when it comes to sexuality so maybe some people were truly offended. However, in reality, the halftime was show was simply that; it was a spectacle designed to entertain. It certainly achieved that goal. It was well-orchestrated, well-performed concert by two incredibly talented women that showcased not only female power, but also Latin culture in a city that is heavily Latin-populated. In my opinion (which does mean much), to many, the complaints were as much to do with the language they spoke as the clothes they wore, but nobody will ever admit to that. Instead, we will continue to lean heavily on the "R-Rated" content of the show, and use it as an excuse to cover over the fact that two women rocked the using all of their gifts. Unfortunately, our country just can't seem to accept that.