Have The Aliens Arrived? | Ep. 1667

Woke Symbolism

The Super Bowl's performances and symbolism have sparked discussions about perceived 'woke' elements. Ben Shapiro critiques the choice of songs and performers, suggesting that these decisions are attempts to infuse the event with social messages. He points out the all-female military flyover as a symbolic gesture aimed at appeasing left-wing audiences 1. Shapiro argues that such gestures are more about virtue signaling than genuine inclusivity. He also questions the necessity of performing the "black national anthem," suggesting it creates unnecessary division 2.

The military is good when they're a bunch of women who are flying the planes.

--- Ben Shapiro

Additionally, Shapiro criticizes the NFL's efforts to promote women's flag football, viewing it as an unrealistic attempt to broaden the sport's appeal 3.

   

Advertisements Review

The Super Bowl advertisements also drew Shapiro's attention, particularly those with social messages. He highlights the Google Pixel ad, which he likens to historical erasure, and the abundance of electric car commercials as examples of disproportionate focus on progressive themes 4. Shapiro criticizes the trend of virtue signaling within these ads, noting that companies are now creating commercials about their own virtue signaling efforts 5.

It's an infinite vortex of virtue signaling.

--- Ben Shapiro

Despite the prevalence of such themes, Shapiro acknowledges a few ads that stood out positively, such as a Bud Light commercial featuring Miles Teller, which he found genuinely entertaining 6.

   

Halftime Show

Rihanna's halftime performance was another focal point for Shapiro's critique. He describes the show as visually strange and musically unimpressive, noting Rihanna's limited vocal range and the peculiar staging choices 7. Shapiro suggests that the announcement of Rihanna's pregnancy was strategically timed to excuse the performance's lackluster quality 8.

It's a bad show. On a pure aesthetic level, it was 20 minutes of the same thing over and over.

--- Ben Shapiro

He argues that the performance, while less offensive than previous years, still reflects a broader cultural decline, with little of real quality being offered 9.