5 Reasons Why I Love Bad Bunny

With the release of his new album and his retirement (?) from music, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on why I love Bad Bunny. All this thinking has led me to shift my entire perspective on “celebrity” culture and people with influence.

Reason #1: He’s Weird

I have felt more comfort in finding people who represent my personality rather than my looks or cultural background. I’ve always seen myself as the “weird kid” and have found little representation in weird and awkward people in media. But Bad Bunny proves that weirdness exists and deserves to be celebrated.

Reason #2: He’s Unapologetically Himself

Bad Bunny has rejected what it means to be a traditional celebrity and I think that’s powerful. Latina American media, much like American media, sensationalizes celebrities and people with influence. Shows like La Gordo y La Flaca and Hoy, which would be the equivalent to shows like Entertainment Tonight and Extra in the U.S., sensationalize celebrity culture so much to the point that they dehumanize these people. Bad Bunny goes against the grain and is honest about who he is and he’s very unapologetic about it. He doesn’t take life seriously and that shows in how he carries himself in interviews and appearances.

Reason #3: He Raises Awareness About Social Issues

It’s 2020, we’re wanting to see so much more than an influencer’s Starbucks order. We also care about how they use their platform. And while no one is obligated to talk about politics and social issues on their platform, speaking up about injustice in one own’s community becomes integral when one has such a large platform. Bad Bunny is probably the first Latino artist whom I’ve seen be very vocal about issues going on in Puerto Rico. He has joined protests calling for the resignation of Puerto Rico’s governor and shed light on gender-based violence in his music videos. 

Reason #4: He Unites the Latino Community in Unimaginable Ways

Name one other Latin artist who was popular among all Latin nationalities at once I’ll wait….ok wait Shakira is a great choice now that I think about it but Bad Bunny is another excellent example. During the recent years of living my life and being out and about (as best as an introvert can) I’ve heard Bad Bunny playing in restaurants, clubs, the gym, stores, and no matter where it’s playing, there’s bound to be a Latinx person vibing out to it the most out of everyone else (usually it’s me and another fellow Latinx). Even on social media, you can see that the typical Bad Bunny fan isn’t from Puerto Rico but from all over the world! Bad Bunny has a global appeal that can untie many people.

Reason #5: He’s Just Like me

Recently, I’ve been trying to stop putting people on pedestals so much and that includes celebrities. When you put people on pedestals, you are giving them power over yourself. While I know celebrities have a different influence compared to me (and more $), beyond surface-level things, they’re not that different from me. Bad Bunny was born a year before I was and I’m almost certain he was riding the emo wave of the late 2000s much like me and everyone my age was at the time. He’s someone you can relate to and have a conversation with over drinks. And while he does influence on a global level, he still wants everyone to know that he is not someone who should be put on a pedestal either. He’s just a dude from Puerto Rico making music.