There are rare moments in our lives that embody the essence of being American, and for me, two stand out: witnessing Top Gun: Maverick and experiencing Lady Gaga’s electrifying performance during the Super Bowl. These instances showcase not just entertainment, but a powerful sense of unity and pride.
Opening the Super Bowl broadcast with her stirring song, “Hold My Hand, ” Lady Gaga delivered an impactful message of hope and resilience to the nation. As Michael Strahan and Tom Brady walked alongside other NFL icons, including the legendary Terry Bradshaw from the Pittsburgh Steelers, they addressed the tragic terrorist attacks in New Orleans earlier this year, along with the devastating effects of natural disasters in regions like North Carolina and Southern California.
The implication of their discourse was unmistakable: Americans are an indomitable force, capable of coming together despite our differences, particularly during significant cultural events like the Super Bowl. I found it particularly poignant that Gaga chose to sing a ballad from Top Gun: Maverick—a film that evoked a profound sense of patriotism within me, perhaps more than any other in recent memory.
Center stage on Bourbon Street, Gaga entranced the audience with her heartfelt performance, inviting everyone around her to join in song. It was a testament to the communal spirit that binds us as a nation.
Some may call it overly sentimental to find meaning in a song from a Tom Cruise film, but the emotion it evokes—hope, joy, and a reaffirmation of American identity—cannot be denied. Perhaps that’s simply the magic I felt after viewing Maverick in theaters.
The All-American Spirit of Bourbon Street
An inexplicable surge of patriotic pride often grips me in unpredictable moments. It’s not uncommon for these feelings to arise during the Olympics or in response to criticisms from other nations. This same sentiment washed over me when I first watched Top Gun: Maverick, and it resurfaced when I viewed it in 4DX, on a plane, or even at home. Each time, that film ignited a warmth within me—a sense of pride for a country that is often mired in its own challenges.
In light of the many pressing issues facing our nation today, Gaga’s performance served as a poignant reminder of my love for being American, despite the frustrations I sometimes feel about our country. When it counts, we stand together: we offer support to states devastated by disasters, rally around our teams during spirited games, and celebrate our shared identity.
No matter where I am, just the thought of Top Gun: Maverick fills me with an overwhelming urge to chant, “USA! USA! USA!” —even amidst the vibrant chaos of Bourbon Street on Super Bowl Sunday.
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