Staff Reports
In the wild world of sports, it seems that a new phenomenon is sweeping the nation—and no, it doesn’t involve toilet paper shortages or unusual snacks. We’re talking about the latest dance craze, coined the “Trump Dance,” inspired by none other than former President Donald Trump. Sports enthusiasts are not just celebrating touchdowns; they’re busting a move that’s caught the attention of the nation and, evidently, some not-so-happy media outlets.
This past weekend, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers scored a stunning 20-yard touchdown, followed by a glorious two-handed shuffle, which is now famously known as the Trump Dance. The energy in the stadium was electric, perhaps even leading some folks to think they were at a UFC fight rather than an NFL game. When heavyweight champion Jon Jones gave a shout-out to Trump for being the heavyweight champion of cultural relevance—who knew sports and politics could come together like peanut butter and jelly?—it’s clear that the Red Kingdom is alive and well.
However, not everyone is on board with this dancing revolution. CBS faced a social media backlash for allegedly editing out the glorious moment of Bowers’ celebration. Fans were furious, wondering why a celebration that has the power to unite people—no matter their political views—was left on the cutting room floor. It seems that in the eyes of some networks, certain dances are more equal than others. It’s one thing to ignore Trump’s presence when he’s in the audience, but to actively cut out celebratory dances? That’s an ambitious level of cultural censorship. The network’s editing team might have missed the memo that in sports, games respect games, and champions respect champions.
In a world where Taylor Swift can get more airtime at a football game than many politicians, it’s clear where the bias lies. While Trump might not be everyone’s cup of tea, his cultural impact is undeniable. Meanwhile, if you’re a member of the media, you may want to consult the “how to cover politics” handbook. Spoiler alert: Don’t overlook the fact that people not only want to see sports highlights but also the culture and energy that surround them. A quick scan of social media shows that most viewers are ready and willing to ride the wave of the Trump Dance, something that networks like CBS seemingly failed to recognize.
Moreover, it appears that the backlash against Bowers’ dance was not just from viewers but reportedly from the Raiders organization itself. After Bowers was asked about the dance, Raiders staff swooped in like a coyote chasing after a slow rabbit—quickly shutting down the interview. Why? Because heaven forbid a player acknowledges a dance that unites fans in a televised sports setting. It’s all very bizarre, especially when it highlights how wary some outlets are of acknowledging what’s trending in America.
So, as the Trump Dance continues to take over the NFL, one has to wonder how the media will respond. Attempting to edit it out is akin to trying to stuff a genie back into the bottle. We’ve already seen how movements can grow stronger when faced with censorship. Whether you love or dislike Trump, it’s clear that ignoring this cultural moment will only make it bigger and bolder. Time to grab some popcorn and watch the dance floor expand—because this seems like just the beginning of a vibrant and somewhat humorous chapter in the intersection of politics and sports.
