National Anthem Protests Are Misguided.....
Recently, some professional athletes have been doing a silent protest during the playing of the National Anthem before games. This trend seems to have been started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He has decided to take a knee or sit during the playing of the Anthem. He has stated he refuses to stand and show respect to a nation that oppresses black people and people of color.
This type of protest seems to be spreading in the National Football League to other teams. One head coach has even said he would join in as long as the whole team is down with it.
The impetus for this protest seems to stem from the black lives matter movement. The players are willing to use the National Anthem as the opportunity to show displeasure with the present situation in America. But the National Anthem goes a little further back.
The National Anthem has been played before sporting events since the 1880's. It has become a regular feature at baseball games since around World War I. But why do we continue to play it?
We play it to show respect for our country. We play it to show respect to our armed services, past and present. We also show respect to members of law enforcement and emergency services. We also play it to give thanks.
We are thankful that we live in a country where we are about to enjoy a sporting event. Just for the enjoyment of it. The Declaration of Independence calls this "the pursuit of happiness", and terms it our inalienable right.
As long as I can remember, players and spectators alike have stood at attention while the Anthem is played before games. Last season, during the playoffs, the Cavaliers asked that the Anthem be sung by the fans alone. Unaccompanied. It was something I was proud to have participated in.
All that being said, I agree there are serious social issues in America. There always have been. Recently there has been gut-wrenching violence with heart breaking results. Yes, change is needed. And yes, attention to the situation is required in order to bring about change. I just think there's better ways to do it.
In addition to not showing respect during the Anthem, here's what else these athletes are doing - NOTHING. In fact, the only reason we knew Kaepernick had an issue with the Anthem is because a reporter asked him an "oh by the way question" after the game.
Professional athletes are naturally in the public eye. If they want to bring attention to social conditions, and bring about positive change, I have a couple of alternative suggestions.
We'll never be absolutely perfect. But we keep trying. A silent protest during our National Anthem doesn't help anything. It's just lame.
Epilogue: Watch Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt as he stops his interview to show respect for our National Anthem.
Recently, some professional athletes have been doing a silent protest during the playing of the National Anthem before games. This trend seems to have been started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He has decided to take a knee or sit during the playing of the Anthem. He has stated he refuses to stand and show respect to a nation that oppresses black people and people of color.
| Kaepernick (with the hair) kneeling for the National Anthem. |
The impetus for this protest seems to stem from the black lives matter movement. The players are willing to use the National Anthem as the opportunity to show displeasure with the present situation in America. But the National Anthem goes a little further back.
| Miami Dolphins protest. |
We play it to show respect for our country. We play it to show respect to our armed services, past and present. We also show respect to members of law enforcement and emergency services. We also play it to give thanks.
We are thankful that we live in a country where we are about to enjoy a sporting event. Just for the enjoyment of it. The Declaration of Independence calls this "the pursuit of happiness", and terms it our inalienable right.
 |
| The Cavaliers had 20,562 sing the National Anthem. |
All that being said, I agree there are serious social issues in America. There always have been. Recently there has been gut-wrenching violence with heart breaking results. Yes, change is needed. And yes, attention to the situation is required in order to bring about change. I just think there's better ways to do it.
In addition to not showing respect during the Anthem, here's what else these athletes are doing - NOTHING. In fact, the only reason we knew Kaepernick had an issue with the Anthem is because a reporter asked him an "oh by the way question" after the game.
Professional athletes are naturally in the public eye. If they want to bring attention to social conditions, and bring about positive change, I have a couple of alternative suggestions.
- How about hosting a community meeting with area residents and members of police department. Not a debate or airing of grievances. Just a get together to begin a dialogue.
- Maybe fund better training for safety services. They are the ones that put themselves in harm's way - daily. The National Football League has more money than God and could easily fund such a program.
We'll never be absolutely perfect. But we keep trying. A silent protest during our National Anthem doesn't help anything. It's just lame.
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