Farmers’ protest ad during Super Bowl? Well, yes and no
While social media platforms were abuzz about an advertisement on the farmers’ protest in India at the Super Bowl 2021, the commercial was aired only in parts of California.
Social media platforms were abuzz Sunday evening about an advertisement that would run at Super Bowl 2021, the American National Football League. On Monday morning, many verified Twitter handles tweeted that it was indeed aired at the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events in the US and a commercial aired during the event could cost between $5 to 6 million, that is between Rs 36 crore and Rs 44 crore.
But, contrary to the messaging by pro-farmers’ protest individuals, groups and organisations, the advertisement was aired only in parts of California.
“Watch message of support for farmers during this Super Bowl. We are hearing this Super Bowl Ad will air on Channel 47 KSEE 24, in Fresno County, California, 3-3:30pm.”
The 30-second advertisement began with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. and termed the ongoing farmers’ protest as the “largest protest in history”, but it was not a part of the actual Super Bowl event. It was funded by Valley Sikh Community as a pre-Super Bowl Ad raising awareness about India’s farmers’ protest in the local channels.
Even though it wasn’t aired at the Super Bowl event, singer Jazzy B put out a video claiming that it was.
“World is watching! Farmers add played at #SuperBowl #FarmerProtest #NoFarmersNoFood,” wrote Jazzy B.
Another verified tweet by a pro-farmers’ protest activist Simran Jeet Singh said, “Here’s the Super Bowl ad featuring the Farmers Protest. If you haven’t heard about it yet, now is the time to learn. It’s an issue of injustice that affects all of us.”
While some reports suggest it aired in some other parts of the US as well, there are no confirmations to the claims yet. As many as 100 million people tune into CBS to watch the Super Bowl event on TV.
However, in a video message which was aired four days ago, Mayor Jerry Dyer of Fresno city, California, joined celebrities, activists, and politicians in standing in solidarity with the Indian farmers.
“I’m going to continue to fight for what is right because this is unfair, it’s oppressive and we are going to fight for the people in our community as well as those people in India,” said Dyer.
Rep. David Valadao (R- Handford) also released a video Sunday in solidarity, saying the Indian Farmers have a right to peacefully protest. California’s Valley Sikh community funded the commercial’s airing, according to local reports.
