It is arguable whether or not Lady Gaga’s red, white, and bedazzled performance had a hidden political statement.

She started off her performance by singing “God Bless America”, which then rolled into “This Land is Your Land.” Also, later on in her performance she sang her hit “Born This Way” which is about equality for every race, gender, and sexuality.

With this line up of songs it is hard to think that Gaga wasn’t trying to send a message. According to vanityfair.com, Gaga herself responded to that remark with this: “Well, I don’t know if I will succeed in unifying America. You’ll have to ask America when it’s over. But the only statements that I’ll be making during the halftime show are the ones that I’ve been consistently making throughout my career. … I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality, and the spirit of this country as one of love and compassion and kindness. So my performance will have both those philosophies.”

That is a message if you ask me, and a good one at that. I think that in light of the recent inauguration of our 45th president, Donald Trump, it is important for Americans to remember that we are stronger together. But at the same time she included a political statement about the importance of equality.

Protesters should be taking notes from Gaga. She found a way to respectfully draw attention to what she believes in. Which not many protesters have been doing. The solution isn’t lighting things on fire and fist fighting. People should be using their words and art to advocate. Right now their actions are advocating hate.

Gaga had a successful balance between respect for this country and advocacy for equality. The whole performance wasn’t politically charged but it is hard to ignore the pieces that were.