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Why a Halftime Show Doesn't Affect My Daughter
There has been a lot of talk, conflict and division around the recent Super Bowl halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. I see great points from both sides.
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira proudly represented their Latina roots and traditions. Culturally, they offered dance that portrayed their heritage, and that is to be respected. You will find many various forms of dance in the cultures around the world. African dance, Latin dance, Indian dance, and all the many varieties of body movement around the world, are all to be honored and respected. I did see dance in that halftime show that was culturally intrinsically ingrained in the show. Beautiful.
On the other hand, I don't believe dancing on a pole is a Latina tradition. Whether or not it is, they could have left it out simply because of what that pole represents. There was really no need for it and it didn't add any value or magnificence to the show. (There is nothing special about dancing with a pole.) On the contrary, dancing on a pole isn't exactly a feat that only seasoned superstars can accomplish.
But, honestly, whether their performance was appropriate or not. Whether they took it too far or not. Whether it's ok or isn't, doesn't matter to me.
They might be the best entertainers out there representing strength of a woman or they might be sadly missing their chance to really use their platform to impact young women. Either way, it doesn't affect me.
A star-studded performance at a championship football game won't affect my home.
Two beautiful superstars who are incredibly talented and capable women won't impact my daughter.
How?
Because how my daughter views herself and how she expects men to see her isn't dictated by a 5 minute show.
Here is how we raise strong women who know they are way more than a sexual object:
1. Social Media. I have taught my daughter to check her motivation behind every single post. Is it to gain attention on her body? Is it to please boys? Is it to feel sexy? Because if so, it shouldn't be posted.
2. Music. My daughter has been taught not to listen to music that has lyrics that do not respect women. Lyrics to a song penetrate
our daughter's hearts. Is the song you are listening to treating women as they treasures they are? Or are they treating them like sex objects?
3. Boldness. My daughter is taught to speak up. She is taught to expect respect from the opposite gender. If a boy is out of line, she is strong enough to say so.
4. Her Daddy is her hero and role model. Trust him. Accept his guidance and see yourself through his eyes.
5. The Bible teaches us how to live. Whatever is true, noble, trustworthy and right, think on these things. My daughter's identity is not in her sexuality, but in being the daughter of the King.
My daughter watched the halftime show.
She didn't like it.
But either way, it doesn't matter because since she was a baby girl breathing her first breath, she has been taught what makes her beautiful.
So let's agree to disagree on Lopez and Shakira.
And let's put all that energy into raising our daughters intentionally, day after day, in our homes.
