Why do I engage with the news every single morning? Perhaps it’s my desire to stay informed, or maybe I just have a penchant for challenging conversations. Regardless, I find myself sipping coffee while navigating the tumultuous waters of current events. And let me tell you, it’s a full-time job these days.
This morning, I stumbled upon a headline that made my jaw drop: a sitting president publicly labeled a peaceful protestor, a fellow American, as a “Son of a Bitch.” I had to double-check my screen—surely, I was misreading. But nope, it was just another day in the era of “Make America Great Again.”
For those who might not be familiar, the Take a Knee movement began in 2016 when a football player, Chris Bennett, took a knee during the national anthem to draw attention to police brutality and systemic racism. His reasoning was crystal clear: “I cannot stand for a flag that oppresses Black people and people of color.” He went on to emphasize that this issue transcends sports. His protest aimed to spark dialogue, and it certainly did. Throughout the 2016 season, more players joined him, while media outlets were riveted, because, let’s face it, what’s more polarizing than successful athletes advocating for social justice?
Fast forward a year, and Bennett found himself without a team. In a jaw-dropping twist, the president started to publicly criticize him, calling for NFL firings and even disinviting championship teams from the White House.
As I sipped my coffee and scrolled through comments laden with outrage, it became apparent that this peaceful protest was being misconstrued as a direct affront to patriotism. Wait, what?
Isn’t it perplexing that something as inherently American as protest is being framed as unpatriotic? Have we forgotten the legacy of the Tea Party, the Revolutionary War, or the Civil Rights Movement? Those were prime examples of American patriotism. How far have we strayed…
As I continued to read, a recurring theme emerged: the belief that kneeling during the anthem is disrespectful to those who have served in the military. Let’s pause here.
Our military is not a monolith. Thousands enlist and take an oath to protect our freedoms, and they come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Contrary to what some might believe, this country thrives on its diversity. Some service members are Democrats; some are LGBTQ+. Some are religious, while others are not. There are military personnel who oppose this protest, and others who find it inspiring. The crux of the matter is this: our military is not a political party. No individual—veteran or civilian—can claim to represent the views of an entire group. It’s time to stop exploiting military service as a means to bolster political arguments. It’s frankly disingenuous.
Next, there’s the claim: “Show some respect! Whatever happened to patriotism?” To that I say, patriotism is not a monopoly. It’s rooted in love for one’s country, which manifests differently in everyone—whether it’s in the form of a protest or a standing ovation. Unless you possess the uncanny ability to read minds, please refrain from passing judgment. These athletes likely love their country just as much as you do. Loving your country sometimes means wanting it to improve.
Then there’s the assertion that the NFL should not allow players to “disrespect” the flag. First off, it’s important to clarify that NFL players are not contractually obligated to participate in the national anthem; their involvement is entirely voluntary. The last time I checked, nations that require unwavering loyalty aren’t democracies. The founding fathers valued civil liberties more than mere symbols. If a segment of our population feels unsafe in their own country, is enforced compliance truly the answer? That hardly seems, well, American.
The flag symbolizes the ideals of our nation. However, it’s just that—a symbol. Many individuals lack equal access to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. They’ve chosen a peaceful route to express their grievances, and the necessity of this protest should be a wake-up call for all of us.
It’s understandable to feel discomfort over Americans kneeling during the national anthem, but that discomfort underscores the very essence of this protest. Until the United States guarantees equal freedom and protection for all its citizens, no one should be dismissed for exercising their right to protest.
Having lived in countries where such actions could lead to severe consequences, I fear for our future if we continue down this path. Let the Take a Knee movement serve as a reminder: freedom is beautiful, even when its expressions make us uncomfortable. Maybe especially when they do. That discomfort signifies a need for change—and change is essential.
At the heart of it, there’s nothing more quintessentially American than the right to protest. As activist Jamie Lynn wisely states, “Patriotism isn’t about forcing everyone to salute the flag; it’s about creating a country where everyone feels welcome.”
In summary, while many perceive protests as acts of disrespect, they are often the most profound expressions of patriotism. The desire for a better America is not unpatriotic; it is deeply American.
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