Half-time at the Superbowl

The Superbowl-brought to you by the makers of Cialis and Viagra!

The Superbowl Committee have no qualms pushing drugs on people or ads featuring scantily clad models serving as nothing but window dressing. They are however so prude that they couldn't bear to see Janet Jackson's exposed boob for a split second. So let me get this straight; it's ok to talk about erectile dysfunction on prime time television and using girls in bikinis to sell cars and beer, but an actual boob is BAD! Did I get that right? I keep picturing a small child saying, "Daddy, what's rec-tile dis-fuck-shun?" I could go on a whole tirade about sexual double standards in our society, but for now I'll let that rant go.

Since the Janet Jackson boobie-gate fiasco the Superbowl Committee has made a concerted effort to book "clean" acts for their half-time shows. They have had Sir Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, both of whom received rather tepid reactions. So this year they booked (drumroll please) Prince.

I must assume that they are not aware that much of Prince's music is heavily sexual in content. I must assume that they are not aware that Prince wrote the song Sexy M.F.. I will add that I personally think Prince is pretty darn cool and I happen to love the song Sexy M.F.. (I remember the first time I heard it the summer I turned 16.) But if your aim is to book acts that won't offend mid-western sensibilities (because really that is the issue) Prince is not your man.

Admittedly I have no idea on earth what Prince plans on playing tonight. I have no idea why they chose him. While I won't be watching the Superbowl (I could care less about a bunch of grown men tossing around a ball) I will probably check out the half-time show. In all likelihood Prince will go onstage and perform some of his tamer songs. But he has never really been one to shy away from controversy. There is always the chance that he might do something outrageous. I personally think something daring would be more fun and well...entertaining than what the committee has in mind. What a shame that they will most likely have a delay on his performance. (Just in case.)

Considering Superbowl demographics and what they are trying to achieve when booking half-time acts, I'm surprised they aren't looking more seriously at country music rather than rock. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Gretchen Wilson would all probably be big hits at the Superbowl. But I'm starting to think the committee simply doesn't know who their demographic is.