Was the Superbowl Half Time Show Out of Bounds?

There has been a ton of social media chatter about the Superbowl— and not about the game. The half time show is the event that has created lots of conversation. Tom and I barely watched the game. No Broncos, No Vikings, No Wildenbergs.

Sunday evening, I heard little about the game but there sure was a media buzz about J Lo and Shakira. So… I did a little investigating and checked it out. Whoa! The show definitely made an impression.

Some women were cheering them on. OK, yes both women are gorgeous, talented, and yes they are in really amazing shape.

Other women were appalled at their antics. The thing that really made me sad was J Lo’s little girl was right there, participating and watching her mom pole dance along with seeing all the crotch shots. (cringe worthy, really)

It does strike me as odd, or at the very least inconsistent, to show concern for #metoo and sex trafficking, while airing a show like the one that occurred at the Superbowl this year.

The uproar from parents comes from the belief that the show should be family friendly. I agree that would be great yet history has proven that the show’s producers and performers are not really on board with that. Maybe family friendly doesn’t deliver enough eyeballs.

This isn’t the first time the performers have created a stir. Past half time shows with Beyonce’s moves and Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction (courtesy of Justin Timberlake) come to mind. Perhaps we need to remember that from year to year the half time entertainment may not be G or PG rated. Knowing this we have a choice. To watch or to turn it off .

No matter the way in which you choose to handle it with your family, be sure to talk with your (older) kiddos about your decision. Some kids will say, “What’s the big deal. we see stuff like that all the time?” A true and very sad statement. That comment perfectly captures what we call desensitization.

Older kids need to understand why you feel the way you do about this type of entertainment. Help them filter through all the mixed messages the culture gives them. Don’t leave them to their own devices to figure out why you find a show like the this one disturbing.

Power, possessions, appearance, achievement, academic ability, athletic prowess, artist and musical talent are all gifts from God. If we want our kids to utilize the gifts God has given them to His glory, we need to begin talking to our kids’ about their intrinsic value and worth. Their worth is due to the fact they are created in God’s image, by God, for God and for a specific purpose. They are so valuable in God’s eyes that they are worth great sacrifice and worth dying for.

Scripture tells us, we are in the world, not of the world. The world will not respond in a God glorifying way because it doesn’t value identity and worth in the same way. The idols of materialism and sexuality are the things that drive the entertainment industry. Sex and stuff sells. The world will continue to give mixed messages but we, as believers, need to give a consistent message to our kids: You are precious in God’s sight. You are fearfully, and wonderfully made.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

With faith, hope, and love,
~Lori

Post Script: Because there has been so much conversation about the Half Time show Heather Riggleman, Linda Tang, and I just created a podcast to help moms and dads empower their kids to navigate the culture’s mixed messages. Click here for the Podcast.