Well, here we are. The Monday after the Super Bowl. The hangovers are real. The food comas are still in effect. And the opinion trolls are out and vocal about that Bruce Springsteen Jeep Commercial.
The ad copy reads: “There’s a chapel in Kansas standing on the exact center of the lower 48. It never closes. All are more than welcome to come meet here in the middle,” Springsteen says. “It’s no secret, the middle has been a hard place to get to lately, between red and blue, between servant and citizen, between our freedom and our fear.”
“Now fear has never been the best of who we are. And as for freedom, it’s not the property of just the fortunate few. It belongs to us all, whoever you are, wherever you’re from. It’s what connects us, and we need that connection,” he continues. “We need the middle. We just have to remember the very soil we stand on is common ground. So we can get there. We can make it to the mountain top, through the desert, and we will cross this divide. Our light has always found its way through the darkness. And there’s hope on the rode up ahead.”
I’m sure you’ve heard about it by now. The commercials — which let’s be honest, are the reason 90% of people actually tune into the Super Bowl anyway — they left a lot to be desired, and all people are talking about is the Jeep spot.
Last night I watched the game with a couple of friends, and my famous Cincinnati Skyline Chili Dip. And to be honest, I spent more time gabbing than actually watching. But today, I have certainly got an earful about Bruce Springsteen’s appearance during the controversial commercial.
By the time of publication, it’s had 30 million views already on YouTube. And – no surprise here – but like all of 2020 and 2021 so far, the country is harshly divided over this commercial…about unity.
It’s a rather played out trope…the rugged man (Bruce) is in a Jeep looking weathered and doing a serious voice over about how the country needs to find “common ground” and meet in “the middle.” The setting was at a tiny chapel situated on the exact geographic middle of the country, symbolic of the unity our country should seek. There’s Christian symbolism throughout, and it closes with the phrase “The ReUnited States of America” — superimposed over an outline of the United States….which ironically forgot to include the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Let’s just say, people are heated over this seemingly benign call for togetherness.
Left wing liberals are claiming that it’s a “disturbing omen of Christian nationalism.” Others on the left are saying that all of the Christian imagery is tone deaf to the evens of January 6 at the Capitol. While other far left extremists say that you can’t find common ground with white supremacists and fascists, and that the “other side” needs to pay for the events at the Capitol, and make atonement for their non-wokeness.
Conversely, people on the right are slamming both Jeep and Bruce Springsteen as hypocritical for promoting unity, when Bruce is famous for being derogatorily outspoken against Trump and conservatives. He was quoted for saying he’d move to Australia if Trump were reelected in 2020, calling the election an “exorcism.”
Conservatives, myself included, also feel the ad is corporate virtue signaling to the absolute N’th degree. “Come together and find common ground“…meaning, come to “our woke side” and believe what we believe, or we’ll call you a fascist or bigot, and cancel your ass. But sure, unity.
And to heavy handedly use Christian imagery as the cornerstone of the ad, when religious liberties are truly, under attack in this country…you could cut the irony with a knife.
Personally, what left the worst taste in my mouth, was how at the end, it called for the “ReUnited” States of America. Which, frankly, is the biggest proverbial “middle finger” to former President Trump I’ve ever seen.
The whole tone was like, this country is in shambles thanks to that fascist that was in the White House. Thank God we have Biden in office now to bring us together. Let’s unify at the altar of wokeness….or as we like to say, “the middle.”
The melodrama of it all was just sooo self serving. And its self-righteousness made me gag.
But that’s not what I want to focus on in tonight’s post.
I was watching with my friends, and one says, “I’m tired of the NFL being so political. I came to watch football.” Coincidentally, he was the second person who uttered, nearly that exact sentence to me that day.
My friend wasn’t the only one feeling this way, either. The NFL’s ratings and viewing numbers were the lowest they’ve been since 2017 this season. What used to be America’s favorite game, is now a breeding ground for wokeism, and politics. Case and point: during the Super Bowl, Mariah Carey tweeted, “Happy Colin Kaepernick Appreciation Day!”
There were ads about BLM and the NFL itself put out an ad where they announced that they were pledging $250 million to ending systemic racism.
Referee’s and players wearing “woke” slogans on their hats and uniforms. Commercials oozing with demonstrative and performative activism.
It’s getting shoved down our throats.
Can we not just enjoy the game without getting political?
I miss the good ol’ days where we laughed our butts off to “Wazzuppppp” commericals, or cried to the Budweiser thoroughbred horse.
It’s just too much.
Because at the end of the day, as we’ve witnessed in the reaction to this seemingly innocent call for unity, sadly, our country is so fiercely divided that even that is grounds for division. Our country has completely vilified those who believe differently. Not all, but the small minority of extreme minded individuals, whose voices are not only the loudest, but then further amplified by an agenda’d media and government, who benefit from a country divided. Those extreme voices are setting the cultural tone, and businesses and organization must either play along, or get canceled and feel the wrath of the woke mob.
If we are earnestly seeking the middle — like Springsteen is so cinematically calling for — then it’s going to actually take coming to the middle. The middle denotes compromise. It is comprised of creative and cooperative problem solving and solutions.
The Middle is not steamrolling 28 highly divisive executive orders through, within the first two weeks of a presidency term.
That is not communicating a spirit of cooperation. It is not demonstrating a quest for unity or the middle. It is a gigantic red flag that it’s “my way or the highway.”
Last night, we had a huge opportunity to come together as a country and enjoy a football game, and the multi-million dollar commercials that go with it. But sadly, we failed that test.
Unity takes humility. It takes compromise. It takes a willingness to listen, and a heart that welcomes and respects differneces.
Tonight, I pray that our country and its leaders take that tall order to heart. Because until we do those things, can we begin actually come together and meet in the middle.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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164 responses to “That Bruce Springsteen Jeep Commercial”
Sports was the very thing that united people. Sadly, it is speaking ill of their fans and is causing more disunity. I watched the game, and I found the night very disappointing. My team was taken out of the league. The sad truth is that pro sports no longer care about the fans. They obviously do not care about the great loss of money they are losing.
Hi JB, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! i agree – it used to be a huge unifier. Now with covid and the politics of it all…so sad. Hugs and love xox
You are welcome. Hugs and love to you.
xoxo 🙂
xoxo 🙂xoxo 🙂xoxo 🙂
🙂
🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
I have never liked the guy at all, or football. These players are paid ludicrous sums of money to play a game. Nope… Sorry.
They really are paid absurd amounts of money. Thanks John for sharing your thoughts! Hugs and love xox
I love this! You gracefully expressed everything I’ve been thinking and feeling int his current culture!
Thank you so much Angie! I’m so glad this resonated with you! Yeah, it’s a tough one because the message is great on it’s face, but….. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I love SKYLINE CHILI DIP!!
I also appreciate your boldness in this piece!!
Thank you! oh my gosh isn’t it so stinkin delicious! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I am jeep owner and loved your post. Lots of things are being pushed down our throats that we do not want to hear from the left. Thanks for the excellent writing.
Thank you Kevin! I agree – unity and the middle also comes with moderating what you’re forcing people to digest. Hugs and love xox
We haven’t had TV for years, having dropped cable in favor of internet streaming for entertainment. No news. No commercials. We’re better off for it. Which is why I went to YouTube to see the Jeep ad. I’m with you on the irony. This from an entertainer and his ilk who deride the people who actually live in the middle (and south) of the country who love their God and their guns. You have people on either coast who don’t give a hoot for what the people in the middle think and are perfectly happy to steamroll them into their coastal mentalities.
I grew up on football. It was hard to let it go, but after the life altering injuries players suffer – especially the concussions – I finally had to stop watching. The final nail in that coffin was all the wokefullness.
Athletes are nothing more than entertainers like actors and musicians; they are all luxuries. Go on strike. Go ahead. See who gives pile o’ poop? But when the garbagemen go on strike… So, if I pay your salary with either a ticket or my time, duly recorded so networks know how much to charge for commercials, you are my employee. I’m not paying you to lecture me. I’m paying you to entertain me. As someone once told me, “I go to football games to watch a bunch of ‘roided up animals try to kill each other, not listen to their crap.”
Same sentiment for actors and musicians who think I actually care what they think. I’m paying you to entertain me. If you have something to say, free speech your ass off on your own time.
Deep breath there, JK. Deeeeep breath. Sorry – getting a bit worked up. Anyway, you hit it, Caralyn. Right there with you. Another one knocked out of the park. I’ll look forward to that Valentine ad. Let me know!!
Oh wow, Jeff, I never thought of it like that, but you’re absolutely right! they are our employees! That’s so true. And yet how far they have strayed from that mindset. They’ve gotten drunk on fame and the power that comes with it. Heaven help us. And “Woke Twitter” isn’t helping, becuase they worship at their altar! so glad you stopped by tonight! thanks for always giving me a fresh perspective to think about! Hope you and your girls have a wonderful week! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post today. You brought up some crucial topics and realities. Personally, I’m just tired of the lack of common sense on the part of so many. Regarding BRUUUUUUCE…I didn’t dig the commercial not necessarily out of a political reason, but because I gave up on BRUUUUUCE’s schtick a long time ago. Maybe I’m jaded, but I don’t buy a multi-bazillionaire rock star trying to still sell himself as akin to a hardscrabble auto mechanic (or something other blue collar). Also, I really think his music is lame.
Thank you so much Rex! I’m so glad this hit home with you. Yeah, I agree – it’s a little tone deaf to say the least. And to be honest, I don’t think i could name you a single Springsteen song off the top of my head right now hahah. glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
Born (pronounced a bit like ‘barn’) in the USA. Can’t name other, though. I see good points on both sides. Hope we can meld together in the in-between. -Jeff
Hahah oh yeah! That’s right. Ok
I appreciated everything you said. All of it
Thank you so much Debbie! I’m so glad! 🙂 hope you’re having a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
Cue the BLM hate in 3..2..1…
This blog walks a thin white line.
Formerly the kai9, now F K Ontario.
It’s an ad – ads have always been know to distort the truth and super bowl ads especially. The sentimentality of it – touched my heart. But I also remember that the Jeep – was a war vehicle. So there ya go with our contradictory nation.
Thank you FK for sharing your heart on this. You make a really great point. Ads are meant to push the envalope for sure. interesting. Hugs and love xox
I used to watch the Superbowl for the funny ads and movie trailers. Now all we have is disgusting politics and wardrobe malfunctions. I didn’t watch anything last night but at the risk of sounding overly religiously arrogant, I just watched my church service. Better my pastor’s corny jokes than the best sports teams in the league… 🙂
However that Cincinnati skyline chili dip sounds delicious. Did you use the recipe that suggests adding cocoa powder for some sweetness?
You’re right, that is so true. That’s what it’s become, and it’s really sad. The commercials were once a source of joy and laughter. now not some much. i bet you’re right! oh yes! it’s wonderful! they actually sell it canned! it’s so easy and 100% authentic! Hugs and love xox
XOXOXO back to you too. 😁I made it from scratch twice. The first time was fine. The second time not so much. Practice practice practice. 🙂
🥰🥰🥰
Decades ago young people bought Jordache jeans. It was an attempt to be unique and a step above others who wore plain jeans.
By the millions.
On the other hand, charity is infinitely inventive.
Charity is the better path.
how interesting. thank you for sharing your heart on this. you’re right. charity is best! Hugs and love xox
I like your article about the NFL. I am not a football fan. My sport is baseball and that has become politicized as well. Sad state of affairs. I pray that God may heal our divisions in this country.
thank you so much! i’m glad you enjoyd the article. I will join you in that important prayer! Hugs and love xox
Yes yes yes! I was thinking the same things. Thank you for putting it into words!
Thank you so much Katie! I’m glad this resonated with you! have a great night! Hugs and love xox
Where to begin. Those executive orders – – seems that was something the last president was fond of too.
As for play ball and shut up – – that’s something only people who disagree with the message say. What happened to listening to other opinions, compromise, humility and respecting differences. Or is that only for those who agree with one’s own beliefs? Maybe my irony knife needs sharping.
And Jeep – – what can one say. Taking corporate America as gospel is heading way down the wrong road. The only thing Jeep wants you to unite behind is buying a Jeep and if a celeb helps do that – – pay him.
“No one in this world, so far as I know—and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me—has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby. The mistake that is made always runs the other way. Because the plain people are able to speak and understand, and even, in many cases, to read and write, it is assumed that they have ideas in their heads and an appetite for more. This assumption is a folly.” H.L. Mencken
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Steven. I appreciate you sharing that quote. Hugs and love xox
Steven, seems like no one wants to listen to anyone. Apparently everyone had a problem according to what Caralyn found. I definitely think it’s good to listen to each other, but I can understand the desire to just watch the game. Everything has become so politicized that it’d be nice to have a break from it from time to time. Of course, I did because I barely watched anything of the game. 😁
I never was really much into the Superbowl but since they started doing the social justice thing I just wanted to roll my eyes. Of course this Jeep commercial is really at that. It’s like how much fakeness can you do before they realize that there is no unity.
Its obvious people didnt learn with Trump and they’re doing it again with abortions, high taxes and high cost of living.
Sorry there is no unity when all these people did was slander a president they didnt like. Then Biden comes in and tears up everything Trump accomplished. Whole thing is a joke. These people haven’t moved on. Hating Trump is a decoy to get their socialistic agendas forced upon everyone else.
I didnt get a chance to watch last night but I found watching a 2 hour video of bloopers and unedited video of Junkyard Digs 100th episode on YouTube. That honestly was entertaining and the only unity we have is with each other that share our interests and our values because the left hates pretty much everything we do or stand for.
But I will not unite with the left, I don’t want anything too do with them because everything they do is just wrong. Makes me want to move to South Dakota ( I think that’s the state) with a real conservative governor (Kristi Noem I think) who actually takes care of the people in her state. Unfortunately in Illinois I dont think a whole lot of people share a lot of values, some people do but it’s like being together in a prison because theres a lot of people who don’t share our values.
If I ever was about to enjoy a Superbowl, not anymore because like a commenter said in the Junkyard Digs video “You mean the Social Justice Bowl”, because that’s all what is is now. They’re using the Superbowl to feed their agendas. It was the same last year. Seen a bit of it, was a joke but its just really apparent this year. I like Jeeps but jeez that commercial was a lame attempt at trying to unify a country that is failing to see eye to eye.
The Keystone XL pipeline topic is still under fire. Biden has cost 75,000 jobs and no they won’t be able to get jobs in green energy because they have no clue how it works. It’s just taking jobs from these people and giving it to others that did not work for it. That’s not unity, but tyranny, evil, control and greed. That Jeep commercial is so ridiculously fake. There is and never will be unity. Evil has won.
It’s that there are people who will not do the right thing. Keep praying because these evil people cannot win. They do not deserve the right to call unity, they just want people shut out and silenced. They silenced Trump, now they are coming for those who try to speak the truth. This country is in chaos right now and many has shut God out.
Thank for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree, politics is frustrating. Junkyard Digs… can’t say I’ve seen it but I’m glad you showed it! Hugs and love xox
Well for me that YouTube channel is better than what’s being shown on TV, depending on your hobbies of course. Superbowl has become a political outlet these days instead of being what it is a game to watch.
But it seems like other people are thinking the same but whether thats enough people to lose interest in watching the Superbowl, like I said I had no interest in it and sure enough I’m glad I never did because seeing just the Jeep commercial was disappointing to say the least.
You’re right – a political outlet for sure.
I heard Toyota did a pro life ad though, i still have to watch it. If I ever get enough money I’ll have to lease one, i think we as Christians need to put our money to good use.
interesting! i didn’t see it. and yes i agree
Its about Jessica Long which was adopted at 18 months. Shows you the power of adoption vs the abortion thing the left praises so much. It wasn’t in the commercial but it shows what better alternatives are to abortion. Toyota did a good thing by showing this, wasnt in your face but heres the commercial, I just watched it too.
https://youtu.be/Pr3jR2keirk
thanks. I am a huge proponent for adoption!
Thank you for sharing these insights!
Thank you so much Tracy! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
“The melodrama of it all was just sooo self serving. And its self-righteousness made me gag.” Here, here! Fortunately, I’d forgotten all about the Superbowl this year, not being in close personal contact with other humans who care about football. But I have to say, I didn’t miss it. Or whatever raunchy half time “show” passed as entertainment.
Thank you Eden!! I’m so glad this resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
You said, “Commercials oozing with demonstrative and performative activism.
It’s getting shoved down our throats.
Can we not just enjoy the game without getting political?”
And that’s why the only sport I watch is MMA and hope it doesn’t go too mainstream 😄 To be honest I find the “woke” commercials insincere, just companies trying to sell stuff. It’s like, Oh, NOW they’re concerned with equality? In 2021? Took them long enough 🙄
All I know is that Letter to You is the first Bruce Springsteen album I’ve ever heard, and I love it! 🙂
It really is. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree! Hugs and love xox
BBB
You said it well, as you usually do. Wish reasonable compromise in the middle was realistic, hard to imagine it at this point in our countries unraveling. But God is always bringing good out of bad, so I’m sure he will with our country. But it may be a pruning without the finished look we want. Pray we stay faithful however it goes.
Rick
Thank you so much Rick, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Yes! He always brings good from any situation! Hugs and love xox
Yeah they tried their damnedest to ruin the night for many but I refused to allow it. Before the game started I paused the stream so I could conveniently go past the disgusting commercials (you know the ones I speak of). We knew going in what to expect and decided to take every commercial that we had to watch as satire. We were so disgusted that very little emphasis was put on the actual game. Tom Brady defying father time to play in a 10th Super Bowl and chasing a SEVENTH ring. This accomplishment after playing for a new team this year was astonishing. We knew what to expect when we saw Bruce. I actually muted it and did a voice over. “I’m a gritty old soul. The lines that crack my face tell a story” and “let me walk towards this Jeep in dramatic fashion and take a glance back over the landscape of a country I don’t personally recognize” that sort of immature stuff. Haha. We needed some levity and were sick of stuff being jammed down our throats. Anddddd stage freeze…. light-hearted rant over. 🤗
Oh that was so smart to pause it in the begginning so you could fast forward! vey smart Travis! hh r
I was appalled by the Bruce ad. Right away when I heard him talking about unity I thought, “What a two-faced prick!” He’s the first guy (along with all the f(lame)ing celebrities) to use divisive liberal hate-speech to disregard conservatives, for at least two decades now.
Not only has he ripped Trump but he used to rip President Bush in the 2000s too. He’s a two-faced chump with the usual liberal double-standard. When will these celebrities learn that they are alienating up to 50% of all their customers/listeners/viewers when they rip on conservatives? It’s just plain dumb, but then again, what should we expect from people with no common sense.
Thanks for writing about this Caralyn. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just me sitting at home alone with these ideas.
Reid
Hi Reid, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah, a lot of people thought it was a parody at first for that exact reason! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Nice, thoughtful post. Unity is never crammed down someone’s throat but is earned over time through patience and a willingness to learn the other side.
thank you Robert! I agree — it is something that is earned! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I think it is very said when something positive is viewed as negative. It is wrong to view good through the lens of evil.
Can Bruce Springsteen do no good because he is a Democrat, because he has been outspoken and critical of Republicans using his music politically? Can Rand Paul do no good because he is a Libertarian who refuses to wear a mask when he should? Was Ronald Reagan a good president? Should I say he was not because I’m a Democrat and strongly disagreed with many of his policies? No. I should not. Ronald Reagan was a good president. He did much good and some bad.
Why can’t you say the same about Bruce Springsteen or, at least, say he is trying to do good, trying to be unifying? Why can’t you celebrate the simple, healing imagery of Christianity that he was trying to speak through?
Isn’t that positive? Isn’t it refreshing?
Should I think you are a bad person and an insincere Christian because you support Trump? Because I disagree with many of your political opinions?
No. That would be unfair and unjust if I did that. I have read many of your posts and most of them I find to be uplifting, kind and smartly entertaining. That is how I view you and your blog
I not only disagree with this post–no big deal–but this post makes me sad. Again, not a big deal. I just thought you might like to know.
God’s Blessings.
Exactly my point and my comments reflect that though I didn’t say it in so many words. Extreme right, which the author seems to be, and extreme left have forgotten that there is a middle. They may not engage in these verbal duels but when they speak, things happen.
Hi Pranabaxom, I appreciate your feedback. I would just like to say that i am not extreme right. I am actually moderate in my views. The only view I may be labeled “extreme” on by society’s standard is my prolife beliefs. That is unbudging, but other issues I am middle of the road and absolutely open to compromise and cooperative solutions. thanks for joining the dialogue.
That’s Pranab.
Thanks for responding back. Atleast we can talk.
I appreciate your belief of being prolife. However, I hope based on your statement that except that fundamental belief you are a centrist, you may agree that it may be better to achieve a situation where abortion becomes unnecessary and a mute point. That may require, along with education the availability of birth control as a means of avoiding conception. As I see at present, at every step religious belief is a hindrance to that but not easy availability of viagra. What an irony. I also value your vow of abstinence, however if that would have been a cure many diocese would not have been nearly bankrupt trying to safeguard pedophile clerics. Morality with pragmatism is a much better solution than pure dogma. Education is always superior to incarceration. Even people with diametrically opposite views can and should communicate.
Recantation and saying sorry should not be a panacea for crimes committed.
Oh awesome – Pranab! Thank you, sometimes it’s hard to decipher if the name I receive is a screen name, a web site, a name, a pseudomyn — because it comes in as all one word! Thank you for this perspective. It is definitely a difficult issue, as you make a great point about safety. Hugs and love xox
Hi friend, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I definitely hear you, and agree! Like I mentioned, I believe that the message was beautiful. I think that unity is exactly what this country needs, and i pray that we can find common ground and mutual respect. I just don’t feel that the actions and the words are lining up, especially given his recent comments and actions. But the message is on point, and I do think it was a beautifully produced package. I really appreciate your feedback. I’m sorry that i let you down on this one. You know that I have also written about our need for unity. I just thought this was an interesting topic for Monday because of how split the country was over a commercial about UNTIY of all things! That should be a no-brainer, bring-togetherer topic! haha Thanks for stopping by, and i hope you have a great tuesday! Hugs and love xox
Thank you. You are very kind to react this way.
–Pam
Absolutely! I love a healthy and respectful dialogue! Thank YOU! 💛
I miss the goofy, funny commercials, also, even for products that I do not purchase. The NFL, however, ahs been cramming their agenda down our throats all season, not just at the Super Bowl. I think for me it has been one of those “all things work for the good” type things. Rather than get offended by it, I left the game on, so that I could keep up with the scores. I muted the television. And I read a book (a lot of the Bible, too). So, I did not even see the commercial you talked about until now. I heard this morning that Brady won again and he is the GOAT – which makes me think of the parable of the sheep and the goats, and how I am so blessed at NOT being a goat. Next year, I may not even keep up with the scores. And a few years ago, I could tell you every score of every Super Bowl. BTW, Johnny Unitas will always be my GOAT.
Thank you for this post. I found your take on it quite refreshing.
There were some priceless and hilarious commercials even just five years ago! hahah that’s funny about the goats. 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
A beautiful post thank you so much
thank you. Hugs and love xox
Yeah I was kind of torn thinking that having some kind of unity would be great but an add heavy on mood and short on ideas is like smelling 👩 my mom’s cooking but knowi g it’s too early to eat. I also laughed because I wasn’t sure what in the world they were selling till the Jeep emblem appeared at the final second!
I agree! unity = good! political bias = let’s table that for now! hahah thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
If we could all meet in the middle to enjoy your Bacon Tomato soup + Grilled Gruyère…. Poof!!! All of humankind’s differences would melt away! I want to believe!
A great post, Caralyn. I admire your timeliness and versatility
hahahah oh my gosh Arthur, you are too funny!!! This seriously made my day! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and yes – more soup for the world! i think that would heal a lot of things! xoxo Hugs and love xox
I haven’t watched the NFL since the “victimized” millionaires on the field began to dis our flag and the national anthem so I missed all of it. But when I saw that BS had made a PSA spot I knew exactly what his spiel was, sight unseen. (I used to be a HUGE fan of his but no more. He hasn’t made great music since the early 90s.) As you so eloquently put it, he was basically saying “Everything would be peachy if y’all were as righteous as I am.” My question is, where was he when Antifa and BLM was looting and burning small businesses? Not a peep about “unity” then. What a hypocrite he’s turned into!
Thanks Rollie for sharing your thoughts on this. The disrespect of the flag is really something terrible. People died protecting that flag and fighting the freedom that we so grossly take for granted today. it makes me sick to be honest. so true. Hugs and love xox
This is EXACTLY how I feel. I gave up on sports last summer, for this reason. I watch games to unwind and have fun, not to be lectured about my white privilege. Last week I watched an online broadcast of my alma mater’s basketball team playing in an empty arena, and that itself wasn’t too preachy, but I remember at the start of the season, watching a video introducing the team where all they did was talk about what communities of color the team members identify with and what pronouns they use, so there’s really no getting away from it. It’s just another thing I’ve lost in the last year.
Hi Greg! thank you for sharing your thoughts! i’m so glad that this struck a chord with you! i agree – sports are an escape! i miss it. oh i’m sorry about that 🙁 Hugs and love xox
I might be able to go back to some kind of happy medium eventually of watching games occasionally and not paying attention to all the drama and virtue signaling, but I’m not sure how possible that will be. We’ll see.
We shall definitely see!
“Our country has completely vilified those who believe differently. ” – are you saying you are not doing the same. I believe that I read somewhere “Physician, heal thyself”.
I really wanted to be fully moved by the Jeep commercial … it started me thinking about Ram Truck’s “So God Made a Farmer” Super Bowl ad of a few years ago. Growing up on Paul Harvey with the noon news every day and in the middle of farm country, that commercial left me with a deep sense of American ruggedness and our overcoming spirit. The Jeep commercial started there, but left me in confusion. Honestly, I shrugged it off and thought about a couple of personal winners for the night. First, was Toyota’s Jessica Long ad. I thought it had an amazing pro-life message to it. Secondly, was the Gwen Stephanie/Adam Levin/Blake Shelton ad for T-mobile. Priceless. Although if people haven’t watched The Voice for the last few years, they might not have gotten just how funny and clever it was. Personally, I think that T-Mobile commercial did more of what Jeep failed to do. If you want a true picture of unity (not conformity) in America, I think Gwen and Blake are a great metaphor for it. They are complete opposites on every front, even politically, yet here they are … a couple that doesn’t take themselves too seriously and who America roots for. Surprisingly there are a few things that do still unite us … Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani … and Bernie Sanders’ mittens (surprised the mittens didn’t make it into an ad … or maybe they did and I missed it while getting snacks in the kitchen). 😁😄 Who woulda thought.
I agree, Shelly. i really wanted to like the commercial too! and it wasn’t until i read the commentary on it afterwards, that i really began to see how people on both sides felt polarized by the spot. it’s confusing because the message was something i believe, but the delivery and the heavy handed politicalization of the message, made it confusing to say the least. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I had no idea about that commercial so I just popped on YouTube to watch it. One word describes it.. hypocrisy. It’s crazy how they talk about unity but forget about the part that unity in their eyes is bowing down to the leftists throne room. Thanks for sharing! God bless
I agree – it’s confusing becuase the message is spot on, but it was ripe with hypocrisy! thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
I haven’t watched football since my birth. ha!
Keep your eyes on Jesus. The country nor the world in general want Him. He is the hope and He is allowing things to unfold.
You are so eloquent and always bring up great points. Keep writing. Thank you for sharing your (not popular) thoughts.
oh really! growing up with two older brothers and a football loving dad, that really is wild to me! hahah yes! eyes on Jesus! that is how we must continue to live! thanks for stopping by~ Hugs and love xox
No longer watch ANY pro sports because of how they’ve politicized it.
That’s smart! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
The Springsteen commercial is a wonderful Rorschach test. A touch of Americana designed to sell Jeeps and let people see what they want to see. Thanks fo sharing this post explaining what all the shouting has been about.
The world seems to be moving so fast under our feet that standing still has become a political statement. The pandemic has provided a generational moment of change that has undermined one president and installed another whose only claim to fame is being the right place at the right time. Nether has been up to the task. I sat out the election for the first time in my life.
For the record, I spent Sunday night watching movies. The Super Bowl will likely be remembered for Tom Brady’s moment of glory, for the demographic firsts that the NFL created, and the super-spreader event that was completely unnecessary. It is rather curious that the America that Springsteen tried to conjure up has become a happy myth that many people cannot even relate to. Bruce, say it isn’t so.
Let people see what they want to see. Wow that Hits the nail on the head! Thank you for sharing that. It sure did get people talking! Hugs and love xox
In a world of dualisms, of it’s “either” this “or” that, it was a courageous attempt to move to the middle, which will undoubtedly make the people grasping to their extreme right or extreme left positions uncomfortable. The middle is the place where you can’t keep being tribal where the “other side” is wrong and “my side” is always right. It’s the place where people go who want to be “repairers of the breach”. I loved the commercial. Kudos to Bruce. He’ll get reamed for it, of course. Being persecuted comes with that territory.
I think you bring up a great point there Bill. Thank you for sharing that. You’re right. The middle is where we men’s bridges but it will take maturity to approach the middle and allow oneself to let go and seek common ground. Hugs and love xox
As a Michigander, I still cringe at Sean Hannity’s moving the UP to Canada. We need some serious education in this country–starting with basic geography.
Oh wow! That’s wild. You’re right. We vacationed up by the UP boarder in the northwoods all growing up, and it is some of the most beautiful land I’ve ever seen! Thanks got stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I was surprised that he did this, since he let his hungry heart become a hateful heart in the past four years. I think many folks believe they live good lives and respect others, and all the lecturing to reach the few that truly have hate is a turn off.
Haha me too! It leaves a bad taste for sure. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
“Unity takes humility. It takes compromise. It takes a willingness to listen, and a heart that welcomes and respects differences.” This is the key.
You’re 100% correct on everything, and my husband pointed out the exact same thing you did that what is perceived as the “middle” is “do what we want and what we say, or else.” But your line, quoted above, is truly what it will take to achieve unity.
Thank you, once again, for you honesty and wisdom.
Yes it really does, Amy. Humility. That’s step one before anything else can happen and sadly I think this country has a long way to go before it does. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. Sending so much love and hugs! Xox
Thanks for sharing!!! Didn’t get to see this commercial (or others), Canadian tv that broadcast the game carried Canadian content commercials.
As always, keep up your good work.
Oh interesting! I thought all the commercials were the same! Haha! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
If I could like this post more than once I would – I didn’t even watch the Super Bowl, yet I still haven’t been able to escape the divisive ads… 🤦♀️ gotta just keep on praying though!
A thank you so much Vera! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes- I’ll take football sans politics please! Hah Hugs and love xox
Spot on, as always, Caralyn. Sadly, their definition of unity is to have full endorsement of their agenda – which as a Christ follower I cannot do. Woke liberals sound so kind and welcoming until you disagree with them, and then the unity facade is out the window. As for football, I haven’t watched any regular games to speak of for several years – and I LOVE football. Watching the Super Bowl was disturbing to me as I saw the liberal agenda being promoted all over the place. UGH!! Anyway, blessings as you stand for truth!
Thank you so much Patty! i’m so glad this hit home with you! i agree – it always comes with an agenda! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post! When the commercial finished, my son-in-law said in a pensive tone, “I’m not sure what to think of that.” Indeed, it took a moment to process it all. Authentic unity in our country or in the world is only through the gospel of Jesus Christ, as you know. Keep writing and keep standing for righteousness sake!
thank you so much Dale! i’m so glad this resonated with you. yeah – it was definitely confusing, because the message at fave value is true, but the delivery and all of the subtle political slants left it feeling hollow. amen. Hugs and love xox
I haven’t had tv or social media for almost a decade now and haven’t seen the commercial, but I completely agree with the sentiment here. The wokeness movement is inciting more division under the guide of promoting unity, and so many are mindlessly buying into the liberal propaganda. And you are so right about “the middle” and compromise… even after Trump’s departure from office, conservatives are still being vilified and, at least personally, I think it would be hard to find common ground with a bully who won’t at least hear me out. I hope that one day we can find true unity… that place where everyone has a voice and a willingness to listen to and respect one another.
hi friend! oh wow, good for you! i admire that! thanks for that – i agree – i pray we find true unity too. Hugs and love xox
Phillip Stutts published an article on medium.com about the negative effect of “woke sports.” (Article: “Sports has a Problem…Being Woke Ain’t Helping – Part II”. His company did a very extensive study on the effects of the pandemic on our culture. According to the article, the study “analyzed 225,253 consumer surveys, matched it to 200 million+ Americans in our database, 550 million connected devices, and tracking 10 billion daily online decisions. It’s the most extensive data research conducted in America to this point.”
While not intending it to be a study on sports, here’s what he found:
“The data clearly shows that 87-92% of Americans don’t want corporations and athletes preaching woke politics. You aren’t for wanting to watch games and be distracted in these weird times, instead of being told how bad a person you are for not agreeing with a “woke” reporter or athlete’s opinion.”
This is why sports viewership is tanking big time. It’s not because of the pandemic; it’s because of woke politics. Obviously, the corporations that are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into this “wokeness” don’t have a grasp on the reality of the situation.
Typo…missing a word in quote. Should read “You aren’t *crazy* for wanting to watch games and be distracted…”
gotcha! thank you!
hi Mel, oh wow thank you for sharing that! that’s so interesting! i would love to read that study. i love information. amen to that. let sports be sports! Hugs and love xox
https://phillipstutts.medium.com/sports-has-a-problem-being-woke-aint-helping-part-ii-90e399123aff
thanks Mel!!
It was interesting to read your observations about that advertisement. I hadn’t looked beneath the surface as to the agenda behind the ad, and I didn’t realize that Bruce Springsteen was anti-Trump. One thought I had is that it was good to see the Cross of Christ shown more than one time. Ultimately even though the left maybe seeking to make woke Christians they will fail. I’m not saying that many won’t continue to slide that way, but the cross of Christ and Jesus will triumph. We have that hope, and we know that we have victory in Christ. The Lord has a way of confounding those who think they are wise, but in fact are foolish. I also believe that a shift is coming soon that will be a big surprise. When this takes place we will be dancing in the streets and celebrating. Stay hopeful as we keep on eyes on Jesus and remember that we serve a good Papa God! I do appreciate the honesty and rawness that you write with. Keep up the good work and have a good day.
thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! yes, on face value the ad was really powerful with a good message, but the underlying message made it confusing. amen – victory in Christ!! may we cling to that hope! Hugs and love xox
I’m with ya! Some great points! I hate the politicization of sports. The last folks I want to think about during a sporting event are politicians from either party. And I’d love for us–left and right–to work to find common ground. I’d like to see us try strong and real “love” more than just wimpy, mostly I-really-don’t-care-that-much-anyway “tolerance.” To love somebody in the name of Christ and respect them as a person created in God’s image, even if I really, really disagree with their views, lifestyle, or politics, really means something. Zealots on the extremes of both sides, right and left, are not very good at that. Their “focus” is mostly tunnel vision, which leaves them blind to a whole lot, even if I might agree with them on a particular issue. It’s just amazing to me how closed “woke” people’s eyes and minds can be when they claim to be awake. And it’s rather amazing that “virtue signaling” and “self-righteousness” smell the same no matter what side of the spectrum folks are on. We so need to find some common ground in this nation, and coming together to look for some is important. But BOTH sides are going to need to learn that being “unified” in treating each other with kindness can happen even if we seriously disagree on issues and aren’t all “woke” up together. (Darn, I don’t even like the English grammar atrocity that “woke” is!) / BTW, the Super Bowl wasn’t much fun even had the preachy commercials and virtue signaling not been part of it. I’ve got two grandsons who love Patrick Mahomes. I do think he’s a class act. Both grandsons had on Patrick’s jersey/number. They were eating Chiefs cookies. Before the game was done, the 6-year-old shucked his jersey in disgust. The 9-year-old went into a depression. At halftime, since I always hate the halftime show, I retreated to offer incense with a cigar and read a bit–and pretty much forgot to come back. And all those cardboard cutouts were weird.
Thank you Curits! I agree – let’s let sports be sports!! And you’re right – we’ve going to have to have everyone commit to treating people with kindness and respect. amen. Hugs and love xox
If I had written a blog about the commercial, this is exactly what I would have said. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow, I’m honored! thanks so much friend! i’m glad it resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
Well said, Caralyn. Game was terrible, as were the commercials for the most part. I’m biased but I still think the best Super Bowl commercial of all time was the Coke commercial with Mean Joe Greene and the kid (who is my little brother). That’s a Coke and a smile — and real unity!
Thank you so much! Oh yes!! i remember that commercial! it was a class act. can’t say that for the commercials now a days!! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I’m sorry but being one who is dead in the middle I don’t find asking us to reach out to others to look for the middle ground wrong. Our nation is so divided in so many ways it is an anguish to me. Being 80 years old and having seen what can happen when we can give and take and with understanding accept that others can have different beliefs and opinions. This was the country I grew up in. What happened? I feel as if I am living in the twilight zone. There is a middle ground and I am still standing in it …mostly along. God help us!
I do feel that this may not be the place for political opinions and I know this was viewed as such. I only with it could have been just a real plea for change.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! I agree – the division in this country absolutely breaks my heart! Yes! I do join you in that plea for change. a plea for mutual respect and an earnest willingness to find common ground. Hugs and love xox
Once again you express so eloquently what so many of us are thinking. I am not a sports fan but my husband loves watching the Chiefs! He will literally mute the TV during the commercials. It’s just too much and it’s not unifying at all. I told him around Christmas time that I wasn’t going to buy any licensed merchandise for any team any longer. That’s my small protest to what they’re doing.
Thank you Teresa! I’m so glad this resonated with you! that’s a great call – we vote with our pocketbooks! Hugs and love xox
Tough days ahead, my friend. Tomorrow I will post an ‘intermezzo blog’ (between my Satuday’s). A preview here; it’ll have very little comment from me:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrCtoQUXnmc.
Praying for you and Steven. c.a.
Thanks for the heads up. Yes, I think you’re right about that. Gotta stay connected to The Vine! Hugs and love xox
The whole commercial is all just too soon. Too soon.
I read your comment about being staunchly pro-life. I completely agree with your post, but then I thought, “Well, that’s an issue I will never, ever budge on, so am I open to compromise?” That’s the difficult thing about saying we want “unity” no matter what the cultural moment. The church is supposed to be a thorn in the side of the world. Compromise too much and we lose our flavor. But I agree with you, too, that we need compromise! agh! Don’t know what the answer is on this one.
“…the small minority of extreme minded individuals, whose voices are not only the loudest, but then further amplified by an agenda’d media and government, who benefit from a country divided. Those extreme voices are setting the cultural tone,…”
Yes, absolutely. And it’s frustrating, because it seems news outlets and pundits on YouTube and elsewhere have a business model that thrives on pushing extreme views to the front. And many Catholic pundits are in on the action as well. It has to stop, but the ratings are too good.
Pray, pray, pray, right?
Wow so much power food for thought here. A thorn in the side – that is right. Like society’s conscience. Thanks got stopping by. Hugs and love xox
You offer the same. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for awhile. You always have something insightful to add to the conversation. Thank you
thank you! very kind of you to say!
Beautifully stated! I wholeheartedly agree with you!
thank you so much Delores! i’m so glad it hit home with you! Hugs and love xox
Wow! Our TV went on the fritz so we missed all that. Now, I’m only disappointed I didn’t get to see BTS! However, All that you said, and the comments included, are so true. As long as you conform to their way of thinking is the only way to gain acceptance. There is no meeting in the middle for them and they know it.
Thank you so much Jo. Oh no! Sorry about your tv!!! You’re right. I pray that our country can truly and earnestly seek common ground. Hugs and love xox
Good post
Thank you Jim. Hugs and love xox
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Hi! I like your ending but a bit worried with the word “compromise” which the ad seems to imply we must take. Blessed Thursday.
“Unity takes humility. It takes compromise. It takes a willingness to listen, and a heart that welcomes and respects differences.
Tonight, I pray that our country and its leaders take that tall order to heart. Because until we do those things, can we begin actually come together and meet in the middle.”
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Yes, while I don’t mean compromise the morality of Prolife/conservative views, I mean finding areas of common ground that can be grown, cultivated and multiplied. Joining you in that important prayer. Hugs and love xox
I watched the impeachment trial in tears today. I can’t believe you supported this man. Disgusting!
https://beautybeyondbones.com/2016/11/10/profile-of-a-trump-supporter/
Hi Mya. I supported his Prolife policies, not the man himself. Things he said and did were deplorable. Thank you for your feedback. Hugs and love xox
I think finding unity is largely a matter of meeting people where they are and listening to them – instead of labeling them from a distance. I hang out with a bunch of ‘liberals’ at church. I think, if you met us, we wouldn’t seem so bad.
That’s really a beautiful thought. I love that. Thanks for this powerful perspective. Hugs and love xox
Great post!!! Keep them coming, I’m loving them!!!
Thank you so much Mark! I’m so glad!! Hugs and love xox
“Unity takes humility”… haven’t seen humility in Washington in a long time. When there are more humble people that remember THEY work for US… things might change for the better! Plus, compromise is difficult, but definitely necessary. Left wants all or nothing. Hopefully soon they’ll get nothing 🙂
*humble people in Washington, that is
gotcha 🙂
Thank you Ben. You make some great points!!! so glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts! Hugs and love xox
I gave up on the NFL when they made it political. I gave up on TV when I tuned into TMC and got a lecture about racism in Hollywood in the early days. Cannot I just watch a movie? I haven’t turned on my TV in a month. I don’t really see that I will ever turn it back on. How can the country unify when one side has adopted principles–more like dictates– that are so far out of “the eternal rules of order and right that heaven itself has ordained.” (George Washington’s first inaugural address.) Sometimes in life there are two clear sides and one has to fight to defend what one believes in, not with physical force, but the finer tools supplied by our Lord and Savior. Beware meeting in the middle just to be run over.
Beautifully written, Caralyn. And very appropriate said!
thank you so much Dawn! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this insightful post. I didn’t watch the commercials because in the last few years they tend to take on a tone of vulgarity or express sentiments that are anti Christian values. You nailed the truth with this blog. Thank you!
thank you so much!! you’re kind to say that. Yes – i agree, they have certainly taken on a new focus recently. Hugs and love xox
I find it helpful to read back through my past posts. Sometimes I feel you might benefit from doing this with a critical eye. I have been wrong so many times I don’t feel like giving an opinion at all right now. You have made reference to senility on numerous occasions for example. I think you need to stop personal attacks. Meeting in the middle means both sides have to move. I am personally sick of the term woke.
Your press is awful.Our press also leaves a lot to be desired. Both sides are being set on each other by the press. We all need to stop biting. It is divide and conquer.
I have a good laugh at myself and my opinions but one thing remains constant. I do not like regurgitating rubbish from the media.
Unity starts with us. My platform is tiny. Still I try. I have written some ridiculous stuff but I do try to show I have grown. You have been set on each other. Time to stop.There is a great ABBA song.
He Is Your Brother.
Hi friend, thank you so much for this powerful perspective. You have certainly given me much to think and pray about. Thank you. You hit the nail on the head: there is always room for growth. Hugs and love xox