For the past 21 months or so, the NFL has been embroiled in this debate about the National Anthem. Today, the NFL actually put in place a policy which states that all players must stand for the National Anthem. Here is the ESPN article on the details:
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23582533/nfl-owners-approve-new-national-anthem-policy
Brief History of the Issue
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick, the QB of the San Franscisco 49ers, sat during the national anthem of the 3rd pre-season game. The reason for Kaepernick’s action was in protest for police violence and other oppression suffered against African Americans throughout the country. Kaepernick switched to kneeling during the anthem as a sign of respect to the armed forces, but to continue his protest. Other individuals, like teammate, Eric Reid, joined him in his peaceful protest. As the story got out around the country as to why the protest was taking place, many people were against the “disrespect” Kaepernick and the others were showing for this country, the armed forces and law enforcement in this country. The debate began to rage on talk shows, in newspapers, and via social media.
In 2017, Kaepernick, who opted out of his contract from the 49ers, was not signed by any of the 32 teams for the season. Kaepernick was the starter for most of the season in 2016, and most would say much better than at minimum the back ups on other NFL teams, and at best half of the league’s starters. Kaepernick has since filed a collusion law suit against the NFL and all 32 teams. Recently, his teammate, Eric Reid, who was not re-signed this off season, has joined in the collusion suit.
Throughout 2017, most NFL teams took overt action during the national anthem. Whether that be, all players locking arms or some other method of showing solidarity. The debate as to whether the National Anthem is an appropriate protest continued. The NFL has cited a decline in viewership as a result of the protests, and some sponsors blame the protesting for lost revenue, as the protests were called “unpatriotic.”
What is the National Anthem?
At its core, the National Anthem is a song. It is music played that every American recognizes as a source of pride for the nation. The National Anthem has been played before pretty much every sporting event for decades, and most PA announcers ask that, “All rise and stand for the signing of the National Anthem.” I know for myself, I’ve attended events that not everyone stands. A lot of people are getting to their seats. Some are talking to friends or drinking their beer. So, the tradition of the national anthem is long, but not an end all be all for national pride.
Breaking Down the Issue
Like Charles Barkley said in the 1990s, “I am not a role model.” Well, clearly the NFL believes its players MUST be role models when it comes to the anthem. Being American to me means, we have our own freedom of expression. We do not live in a fascist state that mandates all must do XYZ. That is what makes America great, our freedom. If a player wants to stand, kneel, sit, or pray during the national anthem, then they should be able to, if done in a peaceful and respectful way. Colin Kaepernick did that. He actually changed his act to be more “respectful” to those in armed service. He took pride in kneeling. The NFL wants automatons to play their game. They want guys who cannot express themselves and clearly the NFL is influenced by the revenue coming in. If people responded to the protests positively, then you would be sure they would promote protesting during the anthem. Whatever the fans and sponsors want, rules the day with the NFL.
I think what is lost in the whole issue about the Anthem is that Kaepernick brought light to something that people were ignoring. Violence against people of color is rampant in our society. There is no question there. Police brutality has not been this bad against people of color since the 1960s. Now, it is possible, the same amount of violence has taken place against people of color as before, but with social media, cell phone videos, etc., we are acutely aware of what is happening more and more in our society. The evidence is pretty clear that there are many instances of injustice happening. You may say, well, you are some liberal, Peace Corps guy, which is true, but I have a cousin who is a Lieutenant in the Chicago Police force. I respect law enforcement. I’m not 100% behind war (as I chose the Peace Corps), but the individuals who serve our military get my respect. I wish the same respect was given to people of color in this country. I also think respecting people’s rights to peacefully protest whenever they want should be allowed and especially on a national stage like the NFL. I think most people would say that Dr. King’s peaceful protests and marches like the one on Washington, DC in the 1960s was as patriotic as you can get. So, how can an anthem protest be considered “unpatriotic?”
To me, the NFL caved in big time in this measure. They acquiesced to the fans who “left the game” for the Anthem protests. Are those same people giving their time to combat violence in their community like Colin Kaepernick? I doubt it. So, sure, let the players all stand for the National Anthem. That’s not going to solve a thing. Yes, there are other ways to protest these injustices in our society, but I know there are a lot more eyeballs on the NFL every Sunday than some march in a major metropolitan area any given day.
I applaud Colin Kaepernick for taking a risk. Yes, it has cost him and Eric Reid millions of dollars, but at least we talk about what happened. He not only deserves to play again in the league, but he deserves a place in history for trying and failing against the monolith NFL.
So when everyone forgets about the Anthem protests as the seasons go by, remember that freedom – the freedom those armed forces and law enforcement people protect – can get limited, then don’t complain when someone takes away more freedoms at a later time, especially when it affects you personally.
That’s enough for now.
Wegs