Reflections On Super Bowl LII

Being a Patriots fan, of course the outcome of the game was disappointing though not surprising.  I thought that the Eagles had the physical advantage.  I thought that the Patriots had the coaching advantage. The Eagles' physicality was the main reason why the Patriots, and this includes Brady, did not play with poise in the 1st half. And thus, because the Patriots only outscored the Eagles by 2 points in the second half, they were unable  to overcome the 10 point halftime deficit.

But the game was only sad; the the halftime show was infuriating. As a musician, Justin Timerberlake's teenybopper concert where the music was monotonous, the crowd reaction was an exercise in conformity, and the only human emotion or trait targeted by the music was sensuality was horrific. His performance was a disgrace. His concert is not what music is about. And yet, that is what we were exposed to.

One can only think about the lack of depth of the personality targeted with his music. His music was all about oversimplifying the human experience. And what confirms the analysis of his performance here was that the visual presentation of his music was as attention getting as the music itself. That means that the music performed was simply a tool to push an experience that misleads us as to what it means to be human.

Are we free to choose this kind of music as expressing what we think it means to human? Of course. But are we free from the consequences of so underestimating what it means to be human? No we are not. 

Art reveals how we see the world. And artistic expressions that are shallow in the expression of what it means to be human reveals something about the people who relate to such arts. These expressions show that they prefer a simple world and thus show a deficit in how they see the world. The people show that they cannot deal with complexity and nuance. These expressions show that they prefer immediate gratification of the more basic appetites and a lack of awareness of deeper human needs. These expressions also show people who can be easily manipulated and controlled by simplistic messages.

Since Rock & Roll and Country "music" came onto the scene, seeking that which is readily accessible while never maturing to appreciate that which is deep and soulful has been the hallmark of pop music. Its appeal and popularity is an American tragedy. It shows an unwillingness to mature to appreciating that which takes time and effort to absorb and appreciate. It shows that the seeking of immediate gratification is the cultural theme of our time.