Bad Bunny: “People Don’t Know Basic Things About Our Country”-His Advocacy For Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny, the global music sensation, has never shied away from using his platform to address social, political, and cultural issues affecting his home, Puerto Rico.

This statement is more than just an observation—it’s a call to action. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known worldwide as Bad Bunny, has spent years weaving Puerto Rican identity and activism into his music and public persona. He has used his influence not just to entertain, but also to educate and empower, urging the world to recognize Puerto Rico’s complex socio-political landscape beyond its tropical beaches and reggaeton beats.

Puerto Rico’s Uncertain Status: A Forgotten Nation?

Puerto Rico is often misunderstood, even by those who visit it or claim to support its culture. As a U.S. territory since 1898, it exists in a political gray area—neither fully independent nor a U.S. state.

• Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections.

• The island has no voting representation in Congress, despite being affected by U.S. policies.

• Puerto Rico’s economy is heavily influenced by external forces, leading to high levels of debt, economic instability, and social inequality.

These complexities contribute to a lack of agency for Puerto Ricans, a frustration that Bad Bunny has expressed repeatedly. The island’s problems often go unnoticed by mainstream media unless there’s a natural disaster, political scandal, or financial crisis. Even then, coverage tends to be superficial, ignoring centuries of colonial history and systemic neglect.

Bad Bunny as a Cultural and Political Voice

Unlike many artists who prefer to remain neutral on controversial issues, Bad Bunny has actively positioned himself as an advocate for Puerto Rican rights, identity, and self-determination.

Using Music as a Platform for Change

His music isn’t just about catchy beats and party anthems—many of his songs carry deeper messages about the realities of life in Puerto Rico. His latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, continues this trend.

• In “TURiSTA,” he critiques the way Puerto Rico is marketed to outsiders as merely a tourist paradise, ignoring the struggles of its people.

• The album blends nostalgia with activism, encouraging listeners to see the real Puerto Rico beyond its postcard-perfect image.

Through his lyrics, Bad Bunny confronts economic inequality, political corruption, and cultural appropriation, painting a more accurate picture of his homeland.

The Power of Visibility: Bringing Puerto Rico to the World

Beyond his music, Bad Bunny has made Puerto Rico a central theme in his career.

• He often wears clothing and accessories that reference Puerto Rican culture, such as the iconic Puerto Rican flag outfit at WWE WrestleMania.

• His music videos frequently showcase the island’s landscapes, neighborhoods, and people, countering the exoticized versions seen in travel ads.

• During award shows, interviews, and performances, he speaks Spanish unapologetically, rejecting the idea that Latin artists must conform to English-language audiences to succeed.

This deliberate representation of Puerto Rican culture on a global stage is part of his broader mission to rewrite the narrative.

Activism Beyond Music: Standing Up for Puerto Ricans

Bad Bunny’s influence extends beyond entertainment—he has actively participated in protests, supported grassroots movements, and funded initiatives for Puerto Ricans.

Protests Against Government Corruption

One of the most defining moments of his activism came in 2019, when he played a key role in the mass protests demanding the resignation of Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

• Alongside fellow artists like Residente and Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny helped mobilize thousands of Puerto Ricans to protest against government corruption.

• He paused his European tour to return to the island and participate in historic demonstrations.

• His social media became a rallying point for activism, educating millions on why the protests mattered.

The protests were ultimately successful, leading to Rosselló’s resignation—a rare victory for people-powered movements.

Addressing Puerto Rico’s Ongoing Economic Crisis

Puerto Rico has faced severe economic hardships, exacerbated by external control over its finances. Bad Bunny has consistently spoken out against these injustices, calling for changes in how the U.S. treats the island.

• He has criticized Wall Street’s role in Puerto Rico’s debt crisis, where hedge funds profit while locals suffer.

• His work highlights how the Jones Act, a U.S. shipping law, makes goods more expensive for Puerto Ricans by restricting international trade.

• He has donated to local charities and relief efforts to support communities affected by poverty and government neglect.

By drawing attention to these economic struggles, he forces both his audience and political leaders to acknowledge Puerto Rico’s financial crisis.

Disaster Relief and Supporting His Community

After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, the island was left without power, clean water, and adequate aid for months. Bad Bunny was one of the many voices calling out the U.S. government’s inadequate response.

• He personally contributed to recovery efforts, donating money, supplies, and resources to affected communities.

• His charity organization, the Good Bunny Foundation, focuses on helping underprivileged youth in Puerto Rico by providing education and sports programs.

• In 2022, he announced his No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí (“I Don’t Want to Leave Here”) residency, a 30-date concert series in Puerto Rico, with nine shows reserved exclusively for locals.

Through these actions, he demonstrates his deep commitment to Puerto Rico’s future.

Why Bad Bunny’s Advocacy Matters

At a time when many celebrities avoid political topics, Bad Bunny’s willingness to take a stand is both admirable and necessary. His activism is a reminder that entertainment and social responsibility can coexist.

• He represents a generation of Puerto Ricans who refuse to be ignored, fighting for recognition on their own terms.

• His success proves that Puerto Rican culture doesn’t need to be diluted to be accepted by a global audience.

• He inspires younger artists to embrace their heritage proudly and speak out about important issues.

His words—“People don’t know basic things about our country”—are not just a critique but a challenge to the world. It’s a reminder that Puerto Rico’s history, struggles, and contributions deserve recognition.

Impression

Bad Bunny is more than just a music icon—he is a cultural ambassador, activist, and advocate for Puerto Rican identity. He has used his platform to educate, inspire, and fight for justice, ensuring that Puerto Rico’s story is heard far beyond its shores.

His commitment to truth, representation, and empowerment makes him one of the most important voices in contemporary music and social activism. As he continues to push boundaries, one thing remains clear: his love for Puerto Rico is unwavering, and his fight for its recognition is far from over.

Through his music, activism, and unwavering dedication to his roots, Bad Bunny ensures that the world can no longer ignore Puerto Rico—because the island’s history, struggles, and victories deserve to be known.