The singing of the national anthem is symbolic of the great freedoms that this country has to offer. It honors the sacrifices that have been made to preserve these freedoms, and reminds people that they have a lot to be grateful for. How though, should someone respond if they do not agree with the way this country is handling certain situations?
In response to the police violence incidents raging throughout the country, several athletes have began protesting. The first incident came in an NFL preseason game, where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem, and since, others have been doing likewise. Athletes have access to a lot of publicity, and the protest has successfully focused the attention of the public to the key issues of police violence and racial tension.
This protest is not controversial because it brings attention to the issues that it does, but because it also makes another statement. Standing for the national anthem is a way that people honor all of the good things that this country stands for. This method of protesting also dishonors those who have fallen for this country, whether that was intended or not.
The same freedom of speech that is celebrated by the national anthem also allows people to dishonor it, and to protest by not standing for it. The issues of police brutality and racism need to be made known, but the method of protest should be more respectful of the country.
By: Rick Derfus, Editor
No comments:
Post a Comment