Many have commented saying that the Superbowl halftime show should have come with a parental warning. I believe that the JLo and Shakira’s Super Bowl halftime performance was empowering, not objectifying. Lopez’s pole-dancing combined with the intricate choreography from her and Shakira did not sit well with some people. Their high-energy performance was the cause of many debates and memes online.

Their costumes and choreography also became a debate in which the #MeToo movement was filled with women suggesting whether we should really promote the dance moves and pole dancing. However, #MeToo is about exposing wrongdoing and allowing victims to take back power. I believe this halftime show put women in a more qualifying state. In the debate over whether something is empowering or objectifying, it’s important to check who holds the power. In this circumstance, Lopez and Shakira commanded power. 

Objectification arises when women feel pressured into performing a certain way. The empowerment comes from the women onstage deciding on their own terms that they want to show off not just the way their bodies look, but all that they’re capable of doing. 

Two talented, unapologetic, successful Latina artists shared one of the world’s biggest stages to make a statement: women can be as powerful and empowering as they want to be without explanation or justification. I think that this Super Bowl Halftime Show is an important message for women worldwide.