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Standing for the flag of our country displays pride and patriotism. For Colin Kaepernick, standing for the flag is unjust for a country that oppresses people of color. “…To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” which Kaepernick stated. (Wyche) This statement leads to the beginning of a movement throughout the sports world, kneeling during the National Anthem. In a nation with a said, “strong sense of unity” it has been separated in a time of racial discrimination and violence. The National Anthem has been a large part of American culture for many years, but in today’s age, it symbolizes something new, in forms of celebrity influence, personal morals and values, and freedom of expression.
Football Coaches in the NFL and important figures in our government express that not standing for the national anthem is a counterproductive way to get their message across. Although you may be impactful based on your celebrity title, coaches believe that as a player, this action can be a distraction to your team and the overall sport. Dabo Swinney, a football coach for Clemson University made a valid point, which he stated at a press conference, being a distraction to your team is disruptive and it is unfair to use your team as a platform. (Felicien) Coaches and fans around the country have looked upon the protest as an inconvenience and take away to the fun and unity of sports. Sports are a large part of the United States from volleyball to football and lacrosse to swimming, millions of people watch sports to witness their favorite athletes play. Owners and authority figures that run the team could see the use of popularity and large names in America as a negative outlook for the team. Causing the possibility of star players getting fired because of the negative impact on the team and sport. An even greater influence on the people of our country, President Barak Obama stated that the message could have been approached in a better way and has proceeded to insult the men and women in uniform. “President Obama expressed concern that not standing for the national anthem can get in the way of the message: ‘As a general matter, when it comes to the flag the national anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who’ve fought for us — that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his [Kaepernick’s] deeper concerns are.'(Jones and LoBianco) An abundant amount of Americans that serve our country are disgraced and in disbelief with the act of kneeling for our anthem and flag. Celebrities of the sports world are not using the correct platform to present their protest. When looked upon with a more open mind, seeing the impact that celebrity figures have makes you wonder, why did it take such a large power move for people to become aware address the issue of oppression in the US with such seriousness?
Immediately upon the world witnessing a national figure take an unexpected measure to raise awareness to an allegation; it shocks people into being aware and sparks conversation about the topic. Kaepernick’s action did just that, he became the headline of numerous news productions and caused a large uprising upon making his voice heard and well known… Roger Goodell, an NFL Commissioner disagreed with the actions that Colin Kaepernick took, in time he begins to praise the movement of protest into progress. He respected the player’s outlooks to speak out and make a turnover, expressing his confidence that these players should use their voice. (Pelissero) Alongside the combination of popularity and social media Kaepernick’s movement spread like fire around the world. Social media has given both sides of this movement a chance to support their opinions; including military members, some of which support Kaepernick’s’ view, spreading the support by using #VeternsForKaepernick. (Chan) Having the access to social media allowed the National Anthem Protest to gain so much attention, without it the cause wouldn’t have been as large of a concern to so many people.
The discussion of morals and values heavily relates to the national anthem protests, based on the respect for our flag and country. Men and women in uniform that protect our country were a large factor in this type of protest, kneeling for the national anthem. Francis Scott Keys (writer of the national anthem) great-great-great-granddaughter Carole Isham was astounded that somebody could dishonor our nation’s flag and anthem, while young men and women have died for our country. (Peter) In our country, there is no greater respect or honor than putting yourself in the upmost dangerous position to make sure that your country is safe. Fellow members of the NFL also agree that this isn’t the best way to approach the cause at hand. Drew Brees couldn’t agree more with the message Colin Kaepernick was addressing, even he knew that the delivery could have been handled better. To him, it doesn’t add up that you’re sitting down while depreciating the very flag that has enabled you the right to speak out. (Triplett) It genuinely understood why people look at taking a knee as disrespectful, but it is appropriate for American citizens to justify their views. In this situation opinions based on your values and morals makes up the argument asking, “Is it wrong or is it right?”
When a person believes the United States is not rising to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all, refusing to stand for the national anthem is an appropriate and justified action. Unfortunately, many people do not see it this way but upon closer consideration, it is completely ok. Once you can research and look into other’s points of view, along with gaining valid facts on this subject, you will find that no laws are labeling Kaepernicks’ actions as wrong. Brandon Marshall a linebacker for the Denver Broncos has personally participated in this movement, the message he and other members want to get across is the disagreement of social injustice, not against military members, police, or the United States. (Telegraph Sports) Taking the protests into account, you need to remember that a lot of the players aren’t against the military they just wanting people to address and be aware of oppression.
This protest has a lot to do with the views on how far freedom of expression can be taken and what freedom of expression can fully be defined as. Refusing to stand for the national anthem is for some people not considered an option to do, for some this is not an appropriate way to utilize your freedom of expression. “Santa Clara police union hinted they would boycott providing security at games after Kaepernick revealed his reasons for protesting the national anthem and wore socks depicting pigs in police uniforms.”(CSN Philly) Did he take it too far has to openly disrespect police? Wearing the apparel that is offensive to police, did not uplift his protest, only causing more issues. People have been reacting to the kneeling in a way that is upfront and well known. Multiple fans of Kaepernick didn’t support his actions, leading to people burning his jersey, spreading on social media platforms through videos. One specifically captioned stating, “He says he’s oppressed making $126 million. Well, Colin, here’s my salute to you.'(Pelissero) The National Anthem Protests was not meant or entitled to be an expression of violence, although others have taken it to be so, it’s an expression to be civil, peaceful and non-violent.
Freedom of expression is the whole reason this protest is even possible to have in our country, our right to express our opinions and make them known. Not standing for the national anthem is a perfectly peaceful and legal way to protest, stated in the Constitution. Relating to American foundations, specifically freedom of expression, we recall the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in the recognition of the national anthem. (Boren) Veterans have spoken out saying they couldn’t be more proud of this action for it exercises American citizen’s constitutional rights. “A letter signed by 35 US veterans stated that ‘Far from disrespecting our troops, there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech.’ (Wyche) Our American Constitution written many years ago has given Kaepernick and all other individuals who participated in the national anthem protests the overall complete right to kneel, sit, or stand for our national anthem. Whether they spoke out on the issue or silently took action they exercised their rights and that is ok, that is good, that should be respected by all Americans.
Although this issue is highly controversial, both cases are represented equally. With the proper evaluation of the protest’s actions, celebrities have not abused their power of influence, people’s morals and values can adapt to situations with proper knowledge. Whether they spoke out on the issue or silently took action they exercised their rights and that is ok, that is good, that should be respected by all Americans.
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