Everyone has their rights, and reasons as to why they feel they should not stand for America’s national anthem. Whether it be to protest police brutality, or perceived racial injustice, (and I use the word ‘perceived’ as there is a possibility that there are some African-Americans who may not feel the same way). There can be numerous reasons as to why, but that does not mean everyone agrees, and they have their right to not agree. Those who disagree may say that taking a knee is disrespectful, that it dishonors those who have fought wars on America’s behalf. Some soldiers have said that they either do not care, or have said that taking the knee is a sign of a higher respect than standing at attention, but what about the soldiers who really, …show more content…
I’m sure they would be delighted at the fact that there are those who receive national attention and praise would bring attention to racial injustice. Although, I can also imagine that after so many protests, they would grow tired of it, and want them to actually do something, instead of just sitting or kneeling on the sidelines of a football stadium, receiving millions of dollars for every game they play. Everyone has a right to draw attention to what they believe in, that should never be taken away, but if they seriously want things to change, they would get off their knees, rise to the occasion and bust their butt to get that change they so desperately want. Those who want to change things get up and get it done, all one needs to do is look at Rosa Parks, she refused to sit back and do nothing, she decided one day she would sit at the front of the bus and there was not a single thing anybody could do about it. In the end, I believe people should stand for the national anthem, they should stand for their ancestors who bled and died to give them this freedom, even though some might have thought, or known they would not live long enough to receive the slightest taste of it, and that is what people do, they see a problem and they do whatever it takes
In the article, “Taking a Knee has Always Been a Sign of Reverence, Not Disrespect,” Luke Bretherton discusses the event of the black football players kneeling during the national anthem at a game. Bretherton argues that the kneeling is not a sign of disrespect, but yet a symbol of great respect and veneration. He claims that the posture of kneeling has always has been proven to display “a gesture of great love and devotion,” a request for a deeper level of a relationship, and to raise awareness of an emergency (Bretherton 2). Bretherton then combines all of these symbols and presents his argument, stating that the athletes were kneeling in protest for several reasons: the players were encouraging the people of America to join them in a
“Taking a knee during the National Anthem these days screams disrespect for our flag,our country and troops.” People are seeing the message that the players are trying to send as disrespectful for our country and troops.”My son and the entire armed forces deserve better than that.” In response,people who are against the kneeling for the National Anthem are going to try to protest in a peaceful manner by not watching the NFL games and not going to the games.The big issue is that the National Anthem has nothing to do with the inequality in our country nor is it raced based.The National Anthem stands for more than what some people are making it out to be. The players are unaware of the true meaning of the National Anthem.
A big controversial topic going around in the news over the past few weeks has been Colin Kaepernick and his stand to end the hardship for people of color and police brutality in the United States. This silent stand started early this preseason when a number of different events involving people of color and police officers around the United States not getting along. However, this has started to become more publicized as more and more people in the National Football League have been joining in with Colin Kaepernick and taking a knee or sitting during the national anthem. This stand has become way more than a simple silent stand as many people around the nation are starting to voice their opinions on this subject. Even though everyone argues their thoughts on this subject.
So why would people stand for the anthem of a country that we know very little about, they may be oppressive to people of color too. We do it to show the world we are respectful people, and it is their anthem, whether we agree with the things they do, we should be respectful of that country and the people competing in the Olympics. All countries have some problems, and some people may not be treated unfairly, but we are not the ones to disrespect them during an Olympic performance. Too many times things are blown out of proportion through the media, so I would not disrespect someone because of something I saw or heard on the radio or television. Unless you are there you do not know all the facts of a situation. The only way we can make a difference is be there for each other and show our respect for this great country by standing for the national anthem. Respect is the one thing you can give freely and is always appreciated. You are telling the world that out of respect you are standing. Respect for a country that is united in times of need, free, and democratic. Just as you show elder people respect by being there for them. We are there for our country. The flag is a symbol of freedom, the song was written to commemorate an outstanding military victory, where we worked together and stood united to defend our country. So really standing during the song is not really too much to ask. It is done out of respect for a nation that has given so many so much. Remember when you are standing and listening to that anthem the many people that have lost their lives for that flag and as long as we stay united, then the bonds of this country become stronger. So show your respect for our country, our flag, our anthem and the world will see how truly strong this nation really
For many years, putting the American flag on bathing suits, bandannas, covers, phone cases, and sometimes on shirts with inappropriate designs are not represented as disrespecting the flag, but taking a simple knee is. John Stafford Smith wrote the national anthem at the end of the national anthem and throughout the web say’s that a person must be quit and stand with their right hand across their chest. In the NFL rule book does not state nothing about the national anthem( Fitzapatrick). Kneeling during the national anthem has created a big dispute between fans, reporters, and even the President of the United States. Should a man be penalizing for peacefully protesting what people thinks disrespect the veterans.
Americans have been standing for the National Anthem since 1891. This tradition started in the military, before The Star Spangled Banner became the National Anthem. Players in the NFL weren’t always required to stand on the sideline for the Anthem; it became a regular occurrence for players and teams to stand in 2009. Recently, many teams and players in the NFL have disrespected the flag and the unity within the country that is portrayed in the song. They do this by kneeling, sitting, and not coming out of the locker room during the playing of the National Anthem. All American citizens should always stand for the National Anthem, in respect for the flag and for the men and women who fought for the freedom we have.
The right to freedom of speech was granted to every american citizen over two hundred years ago and has stood tall and proud ever since, until now apparently. Freedom of speech is a tricky right to give. Who is to decide what is a good or bad use of your freedom of speech rights. A former Army Green Beret stated that athletes in the NFL are not obligated to stand for the national anthem if they do not feel it represents what they believe in
The ground is not constant in every part of the world. Grass, sand, dirt, rocks, and everything in between is always changing underneath our feet. The sky is always shifting when new shapes and colors pass above our heads as we carry out our lives. It is baffling to think that people surrounded in a world of change believe it is possible to stick to one way of living. The belief in following a tradition can come from multiple ideals. The United States has an abundance of these traditions, and sometimes it is hard to notice when you are within one. The Star Spangled Banner is a prime example of a long-standing tradition in the United States, where it is usually played before national sporting events. Americans believe that the national anthem represents the greatness of America, and some believe that it honors our fallen soldiers and military. It is traditional to stand with our hands on our hearts, facing the flag while the anthem plays. The recent phenomenon of NFL players kneeling at the national anthem is a call to attention for the victims affected by racial inequality and police brutality within our country. Interestingly, NFL players weren’t required to be on the field during the anthem until 2009. Regardless, this show of taking a knee seems to many as a menace to their tradition. Some people were thoroughly opposed to these protests, including our own country’s leader. The president of the United States calling these gestures a “total disrespect of our
On the Fox News Insider website, in “Texas Teens Thrown Off High School Football Team After Kneeling For Anthem” the author wrote, “Two Texas teens were thrown off their high school football team after they knelt in protest for the national anthem.” Those two teenagers were told to get off the field and take off their football attire after the pledge commenced. Their coach, Ronnie Mitchem, is a veteran and a pastor. He said, “As a veteran, I have a strong view of what I feel is disrespectful.” Every day, soldiers fight for America. They risk their lives only to be shown that our country isn’t thankful for their service. The United States is the home of the free because of the brave soldiers that fought for America. The protest that was started in 2016 has grown tiresome and is unacceptable. It is inappropriate for men that most likely have not fought in war to sit during the pledge of allegiance. Even if they had fought in some war, those NFL players should never kneel or sit during the anthem. They are a disgrace to our
Not standing up for the flag is disrespectful towards our amazing country in general. All rules aside, sitting during the Anthem is your choice. If you decide to kneel during the Anthem do you really love this country? Maybe these selfish players should go try to make millions of dollars in another country and get out of our beloved America. Our country has given them literally everything they’ll ever need yet they still want to disrespect her. These players are blaming the protest on several different things, and being oppressed is one of them. If you’ve ever watched the news or done any research, you’ll realize that there is not one person in this country oppressed by the government. Our government pays millions of dollars a year to the U.S. Military special forces to help other countries that are oppressed. Go talk to one of those guys, and they’ll tell you what a oppressed country looks like. We live in the best country in the world, hands down. Quit being spoiled, selfish, little rich boys and realize that while you’re here on this earth this is the best you can ask for.
It’s been hard to ignore the mixing of sports and politics lately. Some football players have been kneeling during the National Anthem instead of showing respect for the men and women in our armed forces. Although they’re trying to send a message to people all over the country, I think they are going about it all the wrong way. Football players should stand for the National Anthem no matter what.
Most everyone knows that that excerpt was from The United States of America's’ national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. By now you should know about the escalating argument between the football players standing (or not standing) during the playing of the anthem. I feel that players should stand during the national anthem. I believe that; one it is a clear sign of respect, two it’s not some grand gesture/effort and it's an ineffective way to protest, and finally it has created controversy and has angered many
Not standing for the national anthem is a very ineffective way to promote a cause or try to protest in a way. The people that choose to do this are just looked at as disrespectful because they are disrespecting
Kneeling during an anthem that symbolizes what our veterans have fought for is downgrading what they have done to protect us. This act discourages many veterans and if they are to protest in needs to be in a different
Since the 1918 World Series the National Anthem has been played at sporting events. The anthem is a symbol for the soldiers who raised the flag after the horrors of cannon bombardment during the war of 1812. Some people seem to think that the anthem has no connection to a sporting event, others find the anthem to be discriminatory. During the anthem we’re asked to stand to remind ourselves of the sacrifice American’s have made for our freedoms. At a recent 49ers football game, Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem. While Tim Wendel (pro) and Merrill Matthews (con) decided to express their opinions in an article for the Tribune Company. Tim Wendel is for “Protests push all of us to face the dilemma of racial