An Irish woman’s reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s powerful halftime show has taken the internet by storm, sparking discussions about culture, resistance, and oppression. Abigail James (@popculturescientist) shared her thoughts on why so much of the online discourse focused solely on Drake, a rapper in a long-standing feud with Lamar.
Lamar’s performance was a narrative-driven spectacle that drew a record 133.5 million viewers, featuring dancers dressed in red, white, and blue and Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam. James felt an overwhelming connection to her own heritage while watching the show, inspired to immerse herself in Irish culture. She argued that Lamar’s message about control, oppression, and rebellion resonated deeply with her.
However, many online reactions seemed fixated on the “beef” between Lamar and Drake, ignoring the larger cultural implications of the performance. James explained that this reaction highlighted a broader cultural divide where mainstream white American culture often centers on patriotism and competition, whereas marginalized communities have historical experiences of oppression and resistance.
James’ take resonated with many TikTok users, sparking discussions about culture, resistance, and the significance of Lamar’s performance. Her comments emphasized the importance of seeking out Black creators and writers for accurate interpretations of their work.
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Source: https://www.newsweek.com/irish-woman-viral-reaction-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-drake-diss-2030403