Did anyone else notice how weirdly X it was? Sure, "Gen X" but also dancing in the X, and the hand to heart then out to wave gestures. Really felt like trying to downplay what Elon did versus highlighting it for what it was. The whole performance was weird in that way, and I wish he would have make a stronger point with the stage he was given or something.
The X, O, square, triangle set was probably a reference to squid games, a show with a strong anti-oligarchy motif. The show had repeated American imagery like Samuel L Jackson and the flag. If you interpret thr lyrics at those points, the show was definitively anti-establishment. If you interpreted it any other way, I suggest you watch it again.
One theme was that Kendrick’s life is like a video game so I’m pretty sure it was just the PlayStation buttons.
In a way, there were two themes: Kendrick rapping about his life while the choreography and Samuel Jackson as Uncle Sam making a statement that “The flag and America don’t belong to fascists.” (I guess a third theme was “Fuck Drake” but he couldn’t just not play the biggest song of the year that just won 5 Grammy Awards and has over a billion plays on Spotify.)
I’m probably reading too much into it — if that’s even possible with Kendrick — but a lot of what he criticizes Drake about applies equally to Trump. “Certified loverboy? Certified pedophile.” “I hear you like 'em young / You better never go to cell block one.” Kendrick obviously didn’t know Trump would be there when they planned the show but even if it was unintentional, I like that Trump and his ilk got to find out one of the most popular artists in America won a rap battle by mocking an adult for fucking teenagers.
One theme was that Kendrick’s life is like a video game so I’m pretty sure it was just the PlayStation buttons
I'm not a fan of Kendrick's music and I barely ever watch TV, so I'm not up to date with things like Squid Game and the like. I knew it had to be something, but I do remember watching the show, seeing the symbols, and at least briefly thinking "Did Sony pay for this halftime show?".
It's about the lowest common denominator of viewship. I really doubt they understand that kind of symbolism or depth. IMO at the lowest level is the focus of cinematography, imagery, which really didn't feel impactful. Just disappointed how placated it felt, even as the performance as a whole was phenomenal.
I really doubt they understand that kind of symbolism or depth.
Which is the only way it would be approved. The NFL loves to help the establishment when anyone tries to use their platform for the betterment of people.