Controversial Half-Time Show

   Beyoncé performed her new hit single Formation during the halftime show at  Superbowl 50. It was a combined event with Bruno Mars who performed the same song and similar routine during last years Superbowl halftime show. Beyoncé's song outlined many controversial topics dealing with the killing of young African-american children by police enforcement, and the generally embraced black culture. So the big question is, was it proper to use the Superbowl 50 halftime show as a political statement?
   Beyoncé's message that she was trying to send was about embracing and loving your heritage and your blackness. The song did not have any lyrics about hating white people or even hinted at it. People are getting so flustered at her message because they are stating that it was racist towards white people. The fact of the matter is that what she was conveying about the killing of young African-american children and the oppression that comes with being black in certain areas of America because it is existent. Our country was formed from slavery and through the complete abuse of African-americans as slaves; most people today feel no guilt or even acknowledge what we have done to their race. In all, the message that Beyoncé was sending out was relevant, but at an improper stage and moment in time. She abused the Superbowl for the millions of views to let her message be heard, and it is what lead to her performance to being now a controversial issue. This is not the first time televised sports have been used to portray a political issue, especially dealing with the embracing of black culture to Africans around the world. In the 1968 Olympics Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing on the podium, at Gold and Bronze placement for the 200 meter dash, bowed their heads and raised black-gloved fists during the national anthem. This sent millions of their fellow Americans into an outrage, while others from around the world admired their brave, courageous souls for standing up in front of the world for their cause. So Beyoncé was in the wrong for using the Superbowl as an outlet for her message, but it could be viewed as the only way to get the people's attention on the horrible things happening to the African-american community in our country. No matter the issue Beyoncé used the platform of the halftime show as a way to target police officers and issues of racial fairness, which is seen as inappropriate. Major sport events should be focused on the game at hand and not world controversies. In all, whether its football or rugby the many people directing the show should have a strict view upon the game.