I've written before about how, as an NFL addict, I don't really enjoy the Super Bowl. Monday's media has become all too predictable. How were the halftime show and ceremonial details? What was your favorite or most revolting commercial? Oh, and was it a good and fair game?
Specifically, this year, we're talking about:
-a Super Bowl duel between brother coaches
-a Super Bowl duel between Ray Lewis (an outspoken Christian, talented linebacker and effective leader, who might have been involved in a murder 13 years ago and recently used a banned substance to heal his tricep injury) and Colin Kaepernick (adopted into a Christian family, has Bible verses tattooed on his arm).
-the power outage and how it might have damaged the Superdome's reputation as a Super Bowl host.
-Beyonce's clothing during the halftime show. She's had quite the month and is continuing to rise in popularity, having just sung at President Obama's inauguration.
-how the commercials are continually getting more raunchy and unoriginal than humorous (but I did really like Leon Sandcastle).
As I watched the glitz, kitsch and self-glorification of the game, I couldn't help but remember the last time the Super Bowl was in New Orleans.
It was 2002. The entire NFL schedule was pushed back one week (remember when Super Bowls were on the last Sunday in January?) and the logo itself, normally a reflection of the host city, was instead very patriotic because of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The song "Let Freedom Ring" was added to the pregame ceremonies, when NFL players and U.S. Presidents read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. In what SI.com rated the best ever halftime show, U2, arguably the most charitable rock band in history, sang "Beautiful Day" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" while projecting a scrolling screen, listing (as a tribute) all the victims of the terrorist attacks.
Things have changed. Is it time to think of a new type of Super Bowl or Super Bowl ministry?
The host cities are getting more and more diverse. Is there a way that either the powers that be of the NFL or the local churches can channel the wealth and attention of the Super Bowl to help the least of these (e.g. the trafficked prostitutes) of the host community? Is there a way that petition or mobilization could help that the Super Bowl turns into an event where more than just the producers, performers and players get money, and more than just vendors and upcoming sitcoms/movies get awareness? (As a less-important positive, true football fans like myself could more enjoy the game).
What are your thoughts? What if the Super Bowl came to your city?
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