Every year, football fans sit around the television with their families to watch the ultimate showdown– the Super Bowl. No matter what team people root for, there is a bond tying fans together through their shared love of finger foods and ref-heckling. That was until this year, when fans were divided not by teams but by political affiliation.

There were two Super Bowl halftime shows, one put on by the NFL and the other done by Turning Point USA. One could argue that the half time show does not matter, but it has the ability to retain or detach the watchers. The NFL garnered 128 million viewers and the TPUSA one garnered six million viewers. 

But why were there two shows this year, and where did the need for this surface? Some say it is the language barriers, but others attribute it to recent political divides.

“There are some heightened political tensions… we’re dealing with echo chambers of media… it’s created silos where people hear nothing other than what supports their beliefs,” history teacher Margaret Reed said.

The younger generations have strong opinions on this too.

“I think politics is very hateful now and the comments being made to other parties isn’t right,” Senior Thea Miktarian said.

In the past, students recall much easier ways to avoid an unliked halftime show. Miktarian said, “I’d eat buffalo chicken dip,” and senior Nate Booker said, “I’d turn on the puppy bowl.” 

Overall, the common consensus from both sides is that fighting divides like this requires empathy.

“I think if people had a more compassionate approach to politics it would be a lot better,” Miktarian said.

Despite all the divide, teachers at Hoban encourage strong opinion and discussion.

“I’m happy to see students passionate about politics,” Reed said. “I just want them to be willing to listen to each other, and by large they are.”