What he could have said.
Days after President Trump posted (then took down) a video containing a racist, dehumanizing depiction of the Obamas, the president criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, saying it was the “worst performance EVER” and “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.”
Dogged for decades by accusations of racism, there is an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to allegations of Trump’s racism.
Even if the president didn’t genuinely like the halftime performance, it was a moment to unify, especially when current immigration enforcement methods are divisive.
What could Trump have said?
“That was a fun performance! I don’t speak Spanish, but I know one in seven Americans do. I didn’t understand the lyrics, but it looks like Bad Bunny is a fun performer and a lot of people like him. There is a place in our society to celebrate Latin arts and culture. Again, what a fun performance!”
Instead, it was a missed opportunity at best, and more evidence of xenophobia at worst.
About the author
Paul Heroux, a native of Attleboro, is the sheriff of Bristol County, Massachusetts. Before becoming sheriff, Heroux was the mayor of Attleboro and a state representative. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University, a master’s in international relations from the London School of Economics, and a master’s in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Southern California.
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