theguardian.com
Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show: Drake Lawsuit, Political Tensions, and $8 Million Ads
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LVII halftime show, airing on Fox, will feature his Drake diss track, "Not Like Us," despite a defamation lawsuit; Taylor Swift's attendance alongside Donald Trump adds political tension; Super Bowl ads cost $8 million for 30 seconds.
- What are the immediate implications of Kendrick Lamar including his Drake diss track in the Super Bowl halftime show?
- Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LVII halftime performance will include his controversial "Not Like Us" track, currently facing a defamation lawsuit from Drake. The NFL and Fox must approve which lyrics will air. Lamar aims to showcase his "LA energy" and storytelling.
- How does Taylor Swift's presence, given her past political endorsements, and Donald Trump's attendance influence the event's political undertones?
- The performance's inclusion of the Drake diss track highlights the intersection of music, legal disputes, and live televised events. This decision involves balancing artistic expression with broadcast standards and legal considerations. Taylor Swift's presence, amidst her past political statements and Donald Trump's attendance, adds another layer of political tension.
- What long-term effects might this year's Super Bowl halftime show's controversial elements have on future performances and the event's overall political and artistic landscape?
- The Super Bowl halftime show's potential for controversy could impact future performances, influencing how artists navigate legal battles and political stances in highly visible settings. The high cost of Super Bowl advertising, reaching $8 million for a 30-second spot, further emphasizes the event's commercial influence and the potential for both large successes and failures regarding advertisement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the controversy surrounding Kendrick Lamar's song and the potential censorship, using this as the central narrative. This prioritization overshadows other significant aspects of the Super Bowl, such as the game itself, other performers, and the substantial commercial elements. The headline, if it existed, would likely reflect this focus on controversy. For example, a headline like "Lamar's Grammy-Winning Diss Track Threatens to Overshadow Super Bowl" would frame the narrative accordingly.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although descriptive words like "controversial," "dangerous," and "divisive" carry connotations that could influence the reader's perception. Alternatives could include more neutral terms such as "contentious," "potentially harmful," and "polarizing." The repetition of "controversy" reinforces a particular perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the controversy surrounding Kendrick Lamar's song and the Super Bowl performance, potentially omitting other significant aspects of the event, such as the game itself or other performers. The article also omits details about the OpenAI ad's content beyond its controversial nature. While the inclusion of Taylor Swift and Donald Trump adds a layer of political and celebrity commentary, it overshadows other potentially newsworthy elements.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the Super Bowl as solely a competition between Taylor Swift's support for the Democratic party and Donald Trump's presence. It simplifies a complex political landscape and ignores the multitude of other factors contributing to the event's significance and the diverse viewpoints of its attendees.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions several female celebrities (Taylor Swift, SZA, Mary J Blige, Charli XCX, Greta Gerwig, Meg Ryan), it does not focus on their accomplishments or contributions disproportionately compared to their male counterparts. The descriptions of the women do not seem to rely on gender stereotypes. However, the focus on Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelce might be seen as prioritizing her personal life over her professional achievements.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Super Bowl, a major cultural event, features diverse artists and celebrities, fostering inclusivity and potentially challenging societal norms. Kendrick Lamar's performance and the presence of diverse celebrities like Taylor Swift and others contribute to a more inclusive atmosphere, although the presence of Donald Trump introduces a counterpoint. The event's broad reach can promote understanding and potentially challenge deeply ingrained social inequalities.