Rage, race and rights

A citizen of the United States, Benito Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny), performed at the halftime of the Super Bowl.  I am not sure why this became an issue, but it is certain that it is to some.

There have been performers from all over the world do this show: Paul McCartney, U2, Phil Collins, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Shakira, Rihanna, Coldplay and the Weeknd are the list of headliners we have seen for this annual spectacle, all from other countries.

There are additional names that could be added who were performers on many of these sets. It may not seem like it to some, but it surely seems like it to others: rage, race, and rights are issues in our country.  

When marching bands dominated the halftime performances of football games we would enjoy the formations, symbols and music being presented.  As technology has progressed with improved sound systems, lighting, and video screens we have considerably improved the way we experience entertainment at these events.  

The artistic expressions have always been a point of contention because how we process what we see and hear are very subjective.  One selection can mean different things to different people.

The public conversation about art has never been contained to just the art. Political, personal, social and economic concerns work their way into the dialogue. Artist go through changes that are reflected in their presentations and pieces. 

The intent of the work produced may start with the artist but it gets interpreted by those the art impacts. The responsible person understands this. We have to take personal accountability to be publicly and privately who we want to see.

There are some amongst us who have no desire to make their private person and public person visible for others to see.  They hide behind rhetoric to cloud an issue, deny a fact, or avoid clarity of understanding.

Could it be that those who want to ban artists also want to ban books? Hence, no free speech.

Could it be that those that want separate shows want to separate people? Hence, no free markets.

Could it be that those who did not want to see this performer also did not want to share water fountains? Hence, no freedom. 

The challenge is not that there are people who use their rage, race or rights for messaging, it is that there are much larger groups that should challenge those within their sphere to be accountable.  As citizens with certain inalienable rights, the challenge is to stop letting the few control the narrative for the many.  

It is time to stop letting the tail wag the dog of public policy and discourse. It is time to stop making excuses for bad behavior and leaders. Rage against tyranny. Race to the voting booth.  Right this ship before it crashes into the rocks of insignificance.