On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The halftime show features Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, with Demi Lovato singing the National Anthem before the kickoff. While excitement surrounds this annual event—a staple of American culture—my family has made the decision not to tune in.
All four of my kids were born in Kansas City, Missouri, and many friends and relatives back home are ecstatic about the big game, especially since it’s been 50 years since the Chiefs last played in the Super Bowl. While others prepare with jerseys, snacks, and game-day rituals, we will enjoy a typical Sunday: church in the morning, followed by cozy PJs, treats, and family movies.
The idea of watching the Super Bowl isn’t merely unappealing; it feels fundamentally wrong to me—like endorsing something we fundamentally oppose. It’s not about the game, the celebrations, the outfits, or the delicious food. It’s the glaring disrespect toward people of color that troubles me.
I understand that our choice not to support the NFL may not be a popular one, but we’re not alone in this sentiment. In 2019, singer Rhianna revealed she turned down the opportunity to headline the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, stating she wouldn’t be a sellout or an enabler, referring to the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick, who protested police brutality against Black individuals.
The NFL profits significantly from its Black players while simultaneously neglecting to support the Black Lives Matter movement, which is appalling. Additionally, this year’s event sees Kansas City Chiefs fans engaging in a form of cultural appropriation, as many don face paint and feathered headdresses—acts that are disrespectful to Indigenous communities.
Have you witnessed the Chiefs’ Tomahawk Chant? Fans rhythmically chant while mimicking a chopping motion with their arms. It’s sheer mockery. Are these the same fans who championed Indigenous rights during the pipeline protests? I doubt it. The Chiefs’ logo, a red and white arrowhead, is also controversial. I wonder why they haven’t followed the Cleveland Indians’ lead in rebranding, which they did in 2018 to retire their Chief Wahoo logo.
I must admit, I’ve wavered on whether to keep the television off this Sunday. The game can be entertaining, the food is typically fantastic, and celebrating this long-standing American tradition is tempting. Everyone will discuss the winning team and memorable moments come Monday morning. Watching performances from our favorite artists and enjoying the clever commercials often adds to the fun of the Super Bowl. This year feels particularly enticing since my kids’ hometown team could make history.
However, if I choose to indulge in the festivities, what message am I sending to my children? That it’s acceptable to overlook discrimination for the sake of enjoyment? That we should disregard the NFL’s treatment of Kaepernick—who, like my children, is a transracial adoptee—because it’s “just a game”? No matter how much we adore the artists performing or how much we look forward to the event, we cannot ignore what we believe is right.
I can already hear some of you thinking I’m spoiling the fun and sharing unwelcome truths. I can picture some of you rolling your eyes and tuning me out—and that’s perfectly fine. You are free to enjoy your Sunday as you see fit. But I must prioritize my family’s values. We cannot proudly wear our Black Lives Matter shirts on Tuesday, kick off Black History Month celebrations on Saturday, and then support the NFL and cheer on the Chiefs on Sunday.
By watching, we would be acting hypocritically, turning a blind eye to the very principles we stand against. I can’t justify allowing my family to partake in an event that embodies racism and fails to show genuine respect for Black and Brown individuals.
To those who argue that my family will miss out on something special, I have this to say: just because something is traditional doesn’t make it right. “That’s how it’s always been” is not a valid justification for racism. Practices like slavery, Jim Crow laws, and land theft from Indigenous peoples were once accepted—were they ever right? Absolutely not.
Engaging with racism—no matter the scale—is unacceptable. The upcoming Super Bowl is no exception.
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In summary, while the Super Bowl may be a beloved American tradition, participating in it can conflict with our values. The NFL’s history of racial insensitivity and cultural appropriation cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to teaching our children about respect and equality.