In September 2017, while I typically steer clear of football, I found myself engrossed in news reports covering the NFL games that were unfolding. The reason? During a rally in Alabama, the President aimed his misguided criticism at football players who chose to peacefully protest racial inequality and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. “Get that son of a gun off the field right now, out. He’s fired!” he exclaimed, suggesting how NFL team owners should respond to these players’ protests. Fortunately, the NFL took a different stance.
Contrary to popular belief, no one is obligated to stand for the national anthem. That Sunday, a greater number of players took a knee than before, and I hope this trend continues through each game day until the Super Bowl. The movement gained momentum on social media under the hashtag #TakeAKnee, allowing those outside of athletics to join in and support the cause.
I wasn’t particularly fond of Marcus Greene, but his dedication to activism has changed my perspective. With 75% of the NFL being black, the issues affecting the everyday lives of black Americans resonate within the league itself. Not long ago, Seattle Sharks player David Carter revealed that he was held at gunpoint by police officers during a visit to Las Vegas. Despite being a professional athlete with a high salary, once he stepped off the field and removed his jersey, he was just another black man facing the systemic racism that plagues communities of color.
This is the reality players protest against when they kneel. They stand against the unjust killings of innocent individuals based solely on their skin color, often at the hands of those sworn to protect them. Black individuals are frequently seen as a threat, with the “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality dominating police interactions.
Many argue that athletes should simply “shut up and play.” However, these are black men being commodified by predominantly white team owners, emphasizing their physical talents while ignoring the systemic issues that impact their lives. Athletes are no different from ordinary citizens; they just earn higher salaries. Regardless of their fame, their skin remains black or brown.
David Carter noted that once the police recognized him, their treatment changed. However, he was still detained solely due to his skin color: “Las Vegas police officers targeted me and drew their weapons for doing nothing more than being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Carter stated.
Athletes have a history of using their platforms to protest racial injustice. Jackie Robinson, the first to integrate Major League Baseball, spoke out against the injustices he faced along with his peers. Muhammad Ali famously relinquished his titles to protest the Vietnam War. More notably, runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised a black-gloved fist during the 1968 Olympic medal ceremony, forever altering their lives in the pursuit of change. It’s disheartening to realize that in 2017, athletes are still engaged in the same battle.
So, why take a knee? Kneeling is one of the most peaceful protests, evoking powerful imagery reminiscent of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. There’s an iconic photo of Martin Luther King Jr. kneeling with fellow protestors before the march on Selma. Choosing to kneel during the national anthem is particularly poignant, as the song represents an America that has historically undervalued the lives of its black citizens. This must change.
Professional athletes possess one of the largest international platforms imaginable; for instance, the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons was even played in London. They are beginning to realize that their actions on the field can lead to tangible impacts. Their right to protest is protected under the First Amendment, akin to the citizens who dumped tea into the Boston Harbor. However, because the “patriots” of 1776 were white, their actions are deemed acceptable. This is a double standard that demands to be challenged.
Kneeling during the national anthem is not an affront to American patriotism; it exemplifies the very principles upon which America was founded. Patriotism seems to be sanctioned only when it aligns with white American interests, and that narrative is being rejected. This is why athletes should persist in their protests, and more individuals will continue to stand in solidarity with them. It is a resistance against the current administration and the white supremacist systems it seeks to uphold.
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In summary, the #TakeAKnee movement is a powerful protest against racial injustice in America. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging systemic racism and encourages solidarity among citizens, regardless of their background.