sports
February 9, 2026
Bad Bunny and jingoism lite: was this the Super Bowl where woke roared back?
The NFL appeared keen to welcome the sport’s non-Maga contingent back into the tent. But the theater and violence of capitalism was still there
TL;DR
- The Super Bowl aimed for a political correction after the previous year's controversy.
- Donald Trump was notably absent, and pre-game elements like fighter jets were withdrawn.
- The game itself was described as boring and attritional, perhaps a sign of progress towards de-escalation.
- The pre-game and halftime shows featured cultural figures like Bad Bunny, but lacked overt political protest.
- Advertisements during the game focused on AI, gambling, food delivery, and insurance, highlighting themes of capitalism.
- Despite efforts to create a 'grownup' and restrained atmosphere, the underlying 'theater and violence of capitalism' remained.
- The inclusion of Bad Bunny and the lack of major drama were seen as efforts to welcome the 'non-Maga contingent' back.
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