#loveoverhate

My name is Reem, like the little girl whose story echoes through the pain and beauty of loss. In Gaza, a grandfather mourns his granddaughter, his "soul of my soul," under the harsh reality of conflict. As bombs fall, his world crumbles, but his love stands immutable amidst the ruins. With each heartbeat, he carries the weight of her memory, her smile, her dreams unfulfilled.

He speaks of her with words heavy with grief but also with an immense love that transcends the boundaries of life and death. He calls her 'the soul of my soul,' a phrase that captures the essence of their bond, unbroken even by the brutality of war. Their story is not just a tale of loss but a call to remember the human spirits behind the headlines, the names, and faces of those who pay the ultimate price.

I’m coming into this from a really grounded place.

I literally just wrapped up a women’s retreat at 11am yesterday, full of reflection, connection, faith, and stillness, and then jumped straight into prepping for our Super Bowl tailgate. Because if you know me (ask Steve), you know I love a gathering. Food, people, laughter, music… I’m here for all of it.

So, this isn’t about arguing. It’s not about attacking anyone. It’s about understanding. And honestly… I’ve been excited about the halftime show, so here we are.

I’m genuinely curious, and I mean this with love and respect. Why does the Super Bowl halftime show turn into a judging competition every single year?

This year, I’ve seen comments saying, “it’s not in English,” “it’s not American,” or simply “I don’t understand Spanish.”

Let’s pause right there.

Puerto Rico is American. It is a U.S. territory, and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. And Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States.

Not understanding a language doesn’t make it less valid, less meaningful, or less worthy of the biggest stage. Music was never meant to be a comprehension test. It’s meant to be felt.

Bad Bunny didn’t use the halftime show to divide people. If anything, his message was about unity and connection. He represented countries across North America and South America, reminding us that culture, rhythm, and humanity don’t stop at borders. He even held up a football that read “Together We Are America,” with a reminder that love is stronger than hate. That feels pretty American to me.

I also can’t help but smile knowing that Zumba instructors all over the world were eagerly waiting for this performance. We live for this kind of energy. And honestly? We got an added bonus. Ricky Martin teasing new music??? The dance world absolutely noticed. 💃🔥

I use Spanish songs in my Zumba classes all the time including Bad Bunny. Do I know every word? No. But I know the beat, and I know the rhythm. I spend countless hours listening to music.... feeling the rhythm, letting it move me, letting it guide how the body wants to move. That’s how I create my routines. Not by translating lyrics, but by connecting to the music.

And the truth is, my class doesn’t ask who sings the song. They don’t ask what language it’s in. They just move. They sweat. They smile. They feel the joy in the room.

Last year people said they didn’t understand Kendrick Lamar. Other years it’s too loud, too political, too pop, too much dancing, not enough dancing… and yes, let’s say it, too much booty-shaking.

And if that part offended you, maybe take it up with the cameramen. They’re the ones choosing the close-ups. There are plenty of angles to film a performance, in my opinion.

But let’s talk about that for a second.

Those hip movements everyone loves to comment on? Those isolations, that rhythm, that freedom of movement have deep roots in African dance traditions. It’s cultural. It’s expressive. It’s joyful. And it’s not random.

And also… let’s be real - that’s a workout. You should see us in Zumba. You’ll be sweating in no time, smiling the whole time, feeling strong, energized, and thinking, wow… I feel DANG good.

And since some people are bringing up “Christian values,” let’s talk about that too - respectfully and honestly.

I grew up Roman Catholic. God is my center. Faith, prayer, community, and compassion are lived values for me, not talking points.

Puerto Rico is deeply Christian, with Roman Catholicism woven into its history, families, and daily life. Worship there doesn’t always look quiet or still. Sometimes it looks like joy, music, movement, and celebration. That doesn’t offend God. For many cultures, that honors Him.

Bad Bunny didn’t mock faith. He didn’t attack Christianity. He represented his home, his people, and a culture that believes in God, loves God, and still knows how to dance, celebrate, and come together.

And here’s the gentle truth: Throwing around “Christian values” while judging, shaming, or excluding others isn’t practicing Christianity. It’s performing it.

Faith without love, humility, and compassion misses the point.

Some of the loudest critics are happily ordering margaritas with their tacos, heading to happy hour at their favorite Mexican restaurant, reading Spanish menus, munching nachos, and maybe even planning a trip to Mexico next year, all while bashing a Spanish-language performance.

Let’s be honest… that feels a little hypocritical.

The truth is: no halftime show has ever made everyone happy and that’s okay.

Music is joy. Music is culture. Music is connection even when it’s not in your first language. Remember La Bamba or Macarena?

So instead of asking “Why this?” maybe ask “Why not?” And instead of judging, maybe try feeling.

One way to stop protests over police shooting black people is for the police to stop shooting black people