The Notions and Nature of Protests
Ok, kiddos, we are just going to dive right in.
First, maybe you will need to familiarize yourself with the controversy. The only way to really "be a part of the conversation," which is how everybody talks about things that are either political or controversial, is to know exactly what the conversation is ABOUT. So, read a few of the articles here, if you need some clarifications. These are magazine/newspaper articles which show leanings toward one side or another so you can avail yourselves of the different perspectives:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/taking-a-knee-national-anthem-nfl-trump-why-meaning-origins-racism-us-colin-kaepernick-a7966961.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/09/25/anthem-kneeling-isnt-aimed-veterans-and-other-nfl-protest-misconceptions/701409001/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._national_anthem_protests_(2016%E2%80%93present)
So, there you have a few ideas about the NFL, the Anthem, and the Protests. I suggest that you read up a bit on the Charlottesville riots from this past August for more in-depth perspectives about this issue.
Then, in a carefully worded response, tell me what you think about the NFL players kneeling for the Anthem, about the reasons they're doing it, and what you feel the state of race relations really is in YOUR America, that is, the one that you're exposed to.
Remember your audience, and be true to yourself.
First, maybe you will need to familiarize yourself with the controversy. The only way to really "be a part of the conversation," which is how everybody talks about things that are either political or controversial, is to know exactly what the conversation is ABOUT. So, read a few of the articles here, if you need some clarifications. These are magazine/newspaper articles which show leanings toward one side or another so you can avail yourselves of the different perspectives:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/taking-a-knee-national-anthem-nfl-trump-why-meaning-origins-racism-us-colin-kaepernick-a7966961.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/09/25/anthem-kneeling-isnt-aimed-veterans-and-other-nfl-protest-misconceptions/701409001/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._national_anthem_protests_(2016%E2%80%93present)
So, there you have a few ideas about the NFL, the Anthem, and the Protests. I suggest that you read up a bit on the Charlottesville riots from this past August for more in-depth perspectives about this issue.
Then, in a carefully worded response, tell me what you think about the NFL players kneeling for the Anthem, about the reasons they're doing it, and what you feel the state of race relations really is in YOUR America, that is, the one that you're exposed to.
Remember your audience, and be true to yourself.
I've heard plenty about the NFL players who kneel during the Anthem. The people I've heard from about it have variously scattered points of views on this "touchy" subject. Some believe it's as disrespectful as stomping on the American flag while others think it's good, or just don't care about it whatsoever. For me, though, I honestly don't have that much say about it, either. But, if I must, I don't see the complete issue of it.
ReplyDeleteThe NFL players aren't causing havoc or rage or harming anybody. They're simply kneeling during the Anthem, and I see it as a silent, peaceful protest. It IS a free country, right? If so, what ever happened to the right to protest in a peaceful manner? They have that right to do so for whatever they wish. Now, it'd be different if they were burning the American flag, or if they were disrespecting America in some loud-about manner.
Of course, people have their own opinions that are just as justified as mine are. Some people just get too overdramatic about these things and blow a fuse when someone else states against what they believe.
This is why I steer clear of politics.
I was thinking the same way you were before I began writing my thoughts on the topic. I'm not a fan of talking about politics, only because arguments begin to break out and it gets annoying. So, I try to steer clear of politics as well.
DeleteI see where your point of view is, and I agree with it 100% because honestly some people really do take things overboard and act over dramatic as seen in this topic. The NFL players are still respecting the flag by kneeling and locking arms, and like you said it's not like they are having a rowdy protest with the burning of the flag, they are simply kneeling silently.
DeleteWhat's interesting is when I first discussed this topic with some people, I got surprising answers. You see when I asked them about this I had no real knowledge of these events. Of course I’ve heard of athletes sitting down during the national anthem but not kneeling. The only real coverage of this I came across was unfortunately Trump, so I kind of just blew it off. Another thing is the news I had seen , they talked about athletes kneeling like everyone should know why. Most of the things I heard about it just seemed very off. There was a lot of “ they are disrespecting America or its for Veterans”. But you would think that if it was for veterans wouldn’t they be standing instead of kneeling? Anyway when Ms.Bunje spoke about it in class I suddenly remembered it and took it upon myself to read as many articles about it as possible. I’m going to admit off the bat I do see why people would view this as disrespectful. We stand during the national anthem in reminder of the broke soldiers that fought for us all that time ago to the current soldiers. So of course at first glance it's seen as a despicable act against America, but when you dive deeper it’s so much more than that. You have the team the Seattle Seahawks saying,“Out of love for our country and in honor of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms.” People like Malcom Jenkins and Anquan Boldin talking about because they love America they want to show people its flaws and what we can fix to make it better. All these people are taking a knee for the innocent people who died because of police brutality and just out right racism. I don’t understand how people could be so against this. Even if you don’t agree with what they are doing at least be happy it’s a peaceful protest. I guess if you had to think of it, people are most likely against it because they haven’t experienced racism.Me being Hispanic (surprisingly because I look white) I’ve had my fair share of being randomly selected at amusement parks when I’m with my porcelain friends. Or people shouting at my sister to go back to Mexico or even people calling my dad an illegal Alien( even though we expressed he came here legally). Even though this isn’t nearly as bad as what other people go through on a day-to-day basis, there is no way these people don’t have a heart to see there is something going on. To blatantly ignore all the terrible things that have happened, is worse than not standing in during the National Anthem.
ReplyDeleteI agree with every point you made, however I don’t see kneeling as disrespectful in anyway. They kneel to show respects to the veterans, while simultaneously drawing attention by not standing like tradition. It’s only disrespectful if they sit or simply don’t come out to hear the national anthem. Even kneeling there still acknowledging the people who fight for this country.
Delete“I guess if you think of it, most people are likely against it because they haven’t experienced racism” THIS. Of your entire comment, this is probably the most important part to me. It is so true, especially in our society today. There are way too many people that don’t care or refuse to acknowledge that so much wrong (or in some cases good) is happening because they don’t see it or it doesn’t happen directly against them. I love you for this.
DeletePS. I’m sorry to hear about the crappy things you go through because you’re hispanic. People are trash.
At anytime the national anthem is played everyone surrounding the known tune is supposed to stand still, remove their caps, and remain standing still till the end of the song. Personally, the National Anthem makes me feel so honored if i'm the one in the event. Maybe it’s because I was raised extremely patriotic or maybe it’s because my loved ones have died for the flag and for us to still hear the song today. One day I will take my oath to do the same, as the oath says “ I (name of enlisted), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to do the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of United States…“ Meaning at all costs I will put service before myself, to support, and defend my country. As we all know the lyrics of the National Anthem are nothing but positivity for our country. When during time of war our flag still stood tall. Although America may not be undergoing the best political/controversial standards right now. Civilian men are living in a world full of hate in 2017. For as long as anyone can recall there has always been racial discrimination for prominently black people. After wars have been fought, slavery has ended, and equal education in schools, and equality everywhere else, this country still find some reason to hate on the specific “group” of people. Why? No one knows. Some of America's greatest, smartest people are black, why hate? In 2017 equality does not exist, there are race wars and discrimination happens every day, #BlackLivesMatter should not have to be a thing, neither should “white privilege”, yet these are things and for some reason always will be.The rate black people being shot/killed by police is extremely higher than the rate of white men, or even the moment a black person kills a white it’s almost as if hell has been raised whereas a black man dies because of a white person and the only group of people to be offended is the black people. Why are we like this? No one knows. In August of this year, white supremacy/neo-Nazis staged riots and rallies against all black people in Charlottesville, North Carolina, hundreds were hurt and killed. Recently in Las Vegas 64-year-old white man open fire and killed 50 an injured over 200, his motive? Privilege. Our president isn't helping with situation, he’s clearly racist and doesn’t care. Within the past few weeks peaceful protests have been organized which is all good because the constitution states citizens have the right to protest. But these protests are taking place during the National Anthem, on national television, by the athletes of the NFL (National Football League) and other sports. These athletes are not showing for the National Anthem or even taking a knee. Although does not say anywhere in the constitution we have to stand it is stated that you should in “The Code for the National Anthem, law number 36 US Code 301”. They are taking a knee for their fallen athletes. They are doing this to spread awareness for racial inequality. This matter is huge, but I believe athletes should find another way to protest. President Donald Trump has asked numerous times for these athletes to stand and yet they still refuse, thou going back to the oath, “...I will obey all orders from the President of the United States…” obviously the NFL players are our role models when veterans should be in their place.
ReplyDeleteI completely respect your sense of loyalty to the American flag. However, it’s important to realize that NFL players are in no way intending to disrespect the American flag, they are simply protesting the fact that they are not living in the perfect America the flag represents. They feel they are not living in a world where “all men are created equal” and they are using their platform to express that, given that they have the right to express their opinion in a peaceful manner.
DeleteI agree with you on most of your points, and I respect you for wanting to fight for our country. But when else or how else are players going to be able to spread a message to this caliber together? They could always go to social media, but what will they do? Retweet it to show their support? They can’t not play their game, and post play interviews barely get enough coverage as it. The original purpose of #TakeAKnee was to bring attention to the real issue of police brutality and injustice for the victims of it. Kap wanted to start a conversation, he wanted people to know about it, and he wanted to do that in the lost peaceful way possible while still using his platform as one of the better quaterbacks in the NFL. I feel that people who focus on the flag/anthem and ignore the real reason behind the movement are apart of the problem.
DeleteI understand where your coming from and I completely agree with respecting the flag. Though I think you have to remember that their not doing it to protest the flag rather then bring attention to racism and police brutality.
DeleteThe day this all happened and I logged onto my twitter my page was blowing up with comments about this issue. I never really put much effort into digging deeper as to what was going on. As I looked more in depth, and asked some of my friends what they thought out I can tell you this. At first I only had the knowledge of football player in the NFL taking a knee and raising fists while the national anthem was being played. It all started out with a player named Colin Kaepernick to show that black citizens are not treated right, and that we the people deserve racial equality throughout the United States. This took a turn when Trump decided to tweet out and say if a player does that then they should be fired. More NFL players started doing it to go against what Trump said. I agree with what they are doing because it is a peaceful protest. They are not starting any riots and they are expressing the first amendment which is freedom of speech. The NFL is the most watched sport on TV right now across America, so it is good that the football players are getting it out to millions of people. Overall I respect them for standing up for what they believe in and publicizing it peacefully.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I see no issue in what the NFL players are doing. They have found a way to silently protest that is impossible to become a violent situation. Each player that kneels or stands in locked arms with their teammates during the anthem is silently screaming “EQUALITY”.
ReplyDeleteToday is October 3, 2017. 152 years after slavery was abolished and 53 years since segregation was outlawed, yet 0 days go by without a headline in the newspaper about racial violence. This is why NFL athletes are kneeling. This is why owners of NFL teams are linking arms with the players. Racism. Still. Exists.
So white supremacy is a thing. That’s when a white person feels they are superior to every other race. The biggest example of this recently has been the Charlottesville riots. A group of white supremacists collected together in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia and began to chant Nazi slogans. You know, sayings of the people who killed and tortured up to 6 million Jewish people in the ‘30s and ‘40s because of their religion. The next day when anti-racist protestors hit the streets, a car drove through a group of them and ended up killing one woman while injuring 19 others. White supremacists showing violence once again.
This is a simple exercise of the players’ freedom of speech. It is a silent act with a loud message and that in itself is powerful.
At first when we were assigned this blog I didn’t know much about it I mean of course I knew what the headlines said though that's pretty much it. Sense I wasn't well versed on the topic I had a preconceived notion that it was disrespectful to kneel during the playing of the national anthem when so many people have sacrificed for our country. After reading the articles and educating myself on this issue I feel as though they should do so. When Colin Kaepernick didn’t stand for the first time he was actually sitting on the bench next to the gatorade jug. The following game Kaepernick decided along with former Green Beret turned NFL long snapper Nate Boyer that they would kneel to show respect to the service men/women. Though the real takeaway from this demonstration is that police brutality and racism is a real problem in our country and that needs to be solved immediately. I applaud the NFL players who are exercising their right of free speech and kneeling during the anthem not only are they doing what they believe though are being a good example for generations to come. It feels to me that our country ripped pages out of a history textbook and decided to relive them. Some people may say that i'm being to extreme but if you were to take a in-depth look at what's happening in our country today such as the Charlottesville riots you would see. I think that just like everything in our lives we took two steps forward and one step back in terms of race. With that being said it is time to take those steps forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you first educated yourself on the situation before publishing your comment. I feel as though many jump to criticism however when you think about it, the flag is suppose to represent "Justice for all" and sadly this isn't accurate. Therefore Kaepernick's kneeling isn't an effect of the veterans, and it's not (completely) about Trump. It's bringing awareness to the fact that we are not living in the America that many veterans fought for. It's bringing awareness to the fact that everyday there is a black person on the front page of the newspaper next to a picture of the cop who took their life. I also agree that we recently have taken steps back and "...ripped pages out of a history textbook...". As a society, we all need to push forward against those who are persistent on repeating the past.
DeleteThe NFL players kneeling for the anthem isn’t anything new. It has only become more widely discussed as more players began to kneel as well. There is a lot of racism in America and a prominent athlete addressing racial inequality is a nonviolent way to call a lot of attention to a severe issue. It has been done before. Technically. I guess sporting events aren’t a great time to discuss politics, but when these injustices are affecting those playing anytime is a good time to stand up for your rights especially if they are basic humans rights that everyone deserves. That is exactly what these NFL players are kneeling for, the basic human rights for African Americans. Players like Colin Kaepernick are calling attention to police brutality against African Americans, even more specifically, young men, who are unarmed which are the most common target. And just as the protests aren’t new neither is the brutality. The first brutality incident I can remember is the incident with Trayvon Martin in 2012. It caused quite an uproar as it should have and started the Black Lives Matter movement which also started an uproar making an All Lives Matter movement that received backlash because it denounced the fact that African Americans had been targeted specifically and police brutality is out of hand the second it happens. Anytime is a good time to protest when your rights are at stake and the protest is nonviolent and it honestly isn’t disruptive or disrespectful. They let the Anthem play and they quietly wait for it to be over without forcing anyone to do anything. Black Lives Matter as widely as it is known needs to be supported, and creating a little commotion to gain support is a small price to pay for civil liberties.
ReplyDeleteBefore being assigned this blog topic I had heard that a lot of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem but I did not know much more than that. After reading more about it and watching videos from the NFL players and others describing their views on the topic I have come to see that the reason this is happening is because everyone has the right to express their beliefs. This has been going on for a little while but has just now become much more recognized because of the racism being dealt with by many some coming from our recently inaugurated president Donald Trump. I support the decision many NFL athletes have made to kneel, lock arms, or stay inside during the national anthem. I feel as though it is a huge stand for what they believe in and how strongly they want their voices to be heard. Many of teammates chose to standby their other teammates in the decision they made to do whatever they did during the anthem which I find to be tremendously respectful and shows team unity. I feel as though racism is a huge issue and I've explained how I feel about it but I will say yet again, racism is something that many people face. For these athletes to be taking a stand and showing how strongly they feel about it all takes courage. I feel as though this whole situation can bring someone to stand up for what they believe in because now they have footsteps to follow in. I do see where it could be deemed as disrespectful to the country and the people that serve for our country however it is nothing against them at all it is more so against the president due to his racist tendencies. I don’t see anything wrong with sticking up for what you believe in and that is exactly what these athletes are setting an example to do.
ReplyDeletePolice brutality is something that has been going on a lot in the past decade. It is truly sick how policemen feel they have the power to take people out of this world that pose as “threats” to their personal lives. As far back as I remember, the 2012 case of Trayvon Martin, 17-year-old African American from Miami Gardens, Florida, was a case that triggered riots all across America. Just a few months before, 24-year-old African American Anthony Lamar Smith from St. Louis, Missouri, was shot and killed by a policeman (late 2011). These events, along with many more similar cases, took place because of the fact that police take advantage of the power that they have and feel they have more power than they actually do.
ReplyDeleteAbout 13 months ago, Colin Kaepernick sat on the benches during the US National Anthem during a preseason game. Not much attention was given to this entirely disrespectful action. Not long after, Kaepernick began to kneel while our National Anthem was being sang. This, however, is far less disrespectful than sitting. When Kaepernick’s actions began to be noticed, he was bombarded with questions, one in which he answered: “When there's significant change and I feel that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand." Kaepernick is taking a huge stand (kneel) against police brutality, and most importantly, discrimination within our country. Soon after this statement was made by the 49ers quarterback, NFL players across the country began kneeling for our Anthem with interlocked arms. These NFL athletes are simply standing up (kneeling) for what they believe in without doing any harm whatsoever. This petite action being made in the NFL is sparking commotion which I believe and I hope can spark a change in the world we live in.
In this I understand completely, though Kaepernick started this movement by taking a “kneel” others began to follow, some didn’t know what they were protesting for, and most of the protests taking place today aren’t about racism anymore. Many participants are protesting President Trump, since he began tweeting recently.
Delete@charlie People should be allowed to protest their president though, so if they wish to kneeel in protest of President Trump then there should be no problem with that. Never have we seen such a president where every word he utters is controversial, unprofessional, and ignorant. Protesting against president trump for most people is protesting against racism. President Trump says he not racist, and I do believe him, but he allows himself to be this puppet for racist groups to represent their image unto. I do believe most people knew what they were protesting for, or if they didn’t know exactly they knew it was for something worth kneeling for.
DeleteWhat I think about the NFL players kneeling during the national anthem is a great thing to do, it is a great way to protest peacefully and silently to an enormous audience across America and some parts of the world. Especially to go get there word out, and for more people to know why they protest and what the protest is about.
ReplyDeleteThe reason they protest is because of police brutality and racial inequality. Which has had terrible things, recently happen between the police and minorities in America. This all started after the recent deaths of African American’s by the police, or in custody in the years leading to 2016. This awoke the man to start it all Colin Kaepernick, a NFl quarterback who recently played for the san francisco 49ers during all of this. Kaepernick decided that this was not right and that minorities were not getting the respect that they needed and deserve. Furthermore in response to that he decided to sit during the national anthem. However him and many others, especially the critics decided this was not respectful at all for the people in service, veterans, and the people who passed while in service etc. So Kaepernick decided to take a knee, and others began to follow and about a year later, here we are with almost the whole NFL joining in on the protest kneeling or locking arms together during the national anthem.
What I feel about the state of race is to me is depending on where you go honestly, because whatever location you travel to it can be better or worse, some area’s you don’t have to look over your back and check your soldiers, and feel fear, in others you can walk freely, arms swaying ready to do whatever you want without having to worry about anything.
Let’s start off with Trump’s tweet from Monday night saying, “The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race, it is about respect for our country, flag and national anthem.” My question is; how can a man in such a high political position, be so ignorant to what is going on in the country he (sadly) represents?
ReplyDeleteThe United States military volunteer themselves in service to sacrifice and protect the rights given under the nation’s laws. However, what happens if those rights aren't able to be seen or even used? Some of those sacrifices lose meaning, not purpose, but meaning. One of those rights ‘protected’ under the nation’s law is the 14th amendment that clearly states “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” but people are still judged, treated unfairly, and treated unequally today.
It’s 2017 and people still do not feel safe in this country and having a president that looks past the issue of racism and fails to realize that it is alive and well today, doesn’t help. Another key factor as to why most people don’t feel safe is because there has been far too much proof of power being abused from those who stand on a higher pedestal in our communities and in our state. For example, in July 2015 a (white) police officer killed an unarmed black man during a routine traffic stop. Another case was in July 2016 when a (white) police officer believed a man was selling untaxed cigarettes at a corner store. He threw the man in a choke hold and although the man yelled out 11 times that he could not breathe, the officer continued. Situations similar to these raised a red flag to NFL player Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick began to kneel during our National Anthem to bring attention to what is happening around us in our country. I personally agree with his peaceful protest and I am glad more players are realizing and joining as well. I agree because even in our Pledge of Allegiance that schools all over the country make their students recite states at the end, “for liberty and justice for all” However, it is no surprise that the races contrary to white do not receive justice nor liberty so why should they stand and praise it? I believe people should practice what they preach and stop trying to hide or dismiss real life issues in the world around us.
“You people are disrespectful for not standing for our flag”, “keep politics out of football”, and “how dare you disrespect the country that pays your million dollar salaries” are some of the comments said by those who feel offended by football players kneeling for the pledge of allegiance, and I believe that those football players have every right to kneel for what they believe in, despite who “pays their paychecks”. Soldiers are not disrespecting the flag they are just simply bringing awareness to the problems that a lot of people seem to be ignorant to. The problem they’re bringing awareness to is racism-it was first to bring awareness to veterans, the are a few kinds of people who do not agree with the football players. There are those who are gullible to the President's statements-he said the footballers were disrespecting America-, those who are ignorant, and those who are racist. I think it’s interesting that the same people who say the footballers should get out of America for disrespecting the country, are the same people who want gun control laws to be more catholic, and simpler; they’re the same people who voted for president trump. I just wonder, what type of people are they?
ReplyDeleteI am not against NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, simply because they have every right to protest peacefully in this country. Nobody can force you to stand with your hand to your heart during the National Anthem. This protest began with one player, Kaepernick who kneeled during the national anthem to make a statement against racism and police brutality, few followed in his footsteps catching the attention of Trump who then announced that players should be fired for such behavior. Then this peaceful protest took on a whole new meaning; players were kneeling as a united force against Trump.
ReplyDeleteRacism does exist, as does any form of discrimination. It is no longer a part of our laws but it’s still present in today’s society. There are most definitely a few officers who target black people provided that statistically they are more likely to commit crime (which doesn’t make it okay, although I would like to point out that it is also statistically proven that African Americans tend to have harsher penalties when white people have gotten much less of a punishment for the same crimes). However it is not fair to say that any man or woman wearing a badge is racist. Racism is usually a concept adapted from childhood years, it’s not taught at the academy. If law enforcement as a whole were “racist” we wouldn’t have black police officers. I also believe that the media plays a big role in this fiasco of labeling all law enforcement as “racist”. A story about a white cop killing a black guy gets the ratings up, simple as that. The media will most definitely exaggerate things, which only adds more flames to the fire. Once again not to say that either party was or was not in the wrong, it varies among situations.
Everyone is entitled to expressing their opinion and utilizing the first amendment. I fully condone peaceful protests, it’s only an issue when people become violent.
These protests shouldn’t even be an issue first of all. The extremity of racism in our country is ridiculous and people who care about this issue try, more than not, to peacefully protest against this great divide. The athletes are using their fame and spotlight to their advantage and calling attention to themselves in the most peaceful way I’ve seen it done yet. There are no picket signs, no yelling, no large crowd, they’re simply taking a knee or showing some symbol of unity. The players are simply showing that they are against the inequality between the people in America because of the color of their skin. They aren’t protesting the national anthem, disrespecting the flag, or veterans but what is going on within the country and how it’s being dealt with or lack thereof. They have every right to do what they’ve been doing so long as it stays peaceful and the players, coaches, fans, etc. don’t begin physically fighting about it or attempting to seriously harm anyone who believes other than them. I understand where people are coming from when they say it’s disrespectful and that the NFL players who do it are doing it in spite of the flag and the national anthem but many of those people either aren’t informed on the real reason they’re protesting or they don’t believe/ believe in those reasons. America, from my perspective, is filled to the brim with racism. Everywhere you look some POC is being shot and killed for seemingly no just reason or treated wildly different than they should be or their white “equal”. I’m surrounded by these stories about people that could be my sister or my dad just because they’re darker than me and it breaks my heart because they both play such an important role in my life and to think that one day they might not come home because they went into the the city and went a little over the speed limit just brings this to reality for me and puts everything in perspective, giving me a greater appreciation for not only where we live but that I still have them.
ReplyDeleteRace relations in the country are stressed and the country is more divided than I have ever seen before. Freedom of speech is being more widely practiced and can be witnessed in the various protests across the country, with both positive and negative results. The recent controversy regarding the NFL protests is no exception. The players are using a highly visible platform to express their concerns about the unjust police brutality in the US. The protests are not about disrespecting the American flag, our nation, or the soldiers that fought for our freedom. It is about the unjust treatment of people of color.
ReplyDeleteMany people in the country don't understand the reason why the players are protesting and they automatically think it is about Black Lives Matter movement. In a sense it is; but it is much more too. The players are bringing light to the fact that the flag is a symbol of freedom and equality yet all people are not being treated equally. I feel that more players should come forward and explain why they are protesting. They should communicate that, sure, all lives matter but also shed light on the fact that police brutality is at an all time high and we are seeing brutality charges against many officers dropped. I have family members that are in law enforcement and I understand the risks they take every day to protect our communities. However, some officers (not all) take their badge to an extreme and think they have the power to do and say what they want and get away with it. The NFL players need to communicate their position, start a constructive conversation with people of different views and maybe those that are against the protest will have a better understanding.
Our country is in a bad place right now. Family members, friends and co workers are getting into heated debates about the many issues impacting race relations in the country. And our leaders are only adding fuel to the fire by their inappropriate statements and actions, mostly in 140 characters on Twitter. People say that race relations were worse under President Obama but I disagree. If nothing else, he gave people hope for their future and pride in their culture. We all need to take a deep breath and remember that diversity and equality is what makes this country great.
I agree with this statement completely. I think the majority of the opposition to the NFL protests are made up of people who do not understand the reason behind them. If their family members were murdered by a police officer they would be protesting too. I think people need to be informed of the reason behind the protests so they can make a better decision on whether to agree with it or oppose it instead of blindly following the tweets from Trump. People need to follow the example of the players and "lock arms" together. We need to see that we are all the same and there is no just reason for the senseless killings of our own. The people need to realize that what is happening is not just a news story. People are being murdered. Their families will never see them again. The frequency of these killings are increasing and it needs to stop. So let the protests go on. Because people need to know that people are killing people. And part of the reason why is because they think that the person taking the bullet deserves it because the color they see on their skin is not the same as their own.
DeleteThere are many injustices going on in our country right now. Innocent people are being shot down and the people murdering them are being let go with a smack on the hand. These people need justice. But for justice to be served people need to recognize the severity of the crimes. There are good people in this world who take a stand and shed light onto these injustices such as Colin Kaepernick and the other NFL players who have followed his purpose. When these players kneel for the nation anthem they are trying to turn attention to the racial inequality in our country. Kaepernick said to NFL.com , "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." It is a great way to give attention to these issues. Lately Trump's tweets have been saying the opposite. he said that "“The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race...It is about respect for our country, flag and national anthem.” I don't seem to understand his statement at all because he is not a part of this event so how would he know the purpose? This has sparked many more protests in the NFL including entire teams locking arms during the national anthem. I think this is great because it shows that some people are making an effort to make the racial crimes in America heard and they will not stop at the sight of adversity. I hope these protests continue and they become bigger.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this comment because the protect is being heard and it is a peaceful one. People need to understand that what our country is doing to murderers is not right. There should not be massive outbreaks of gun violence or racial outbreaks like some police. The football players have every right to spread what they believe in. They get the word out there by using national broadcasts, so millions of people can watch and read the controversy. This leads up to them actually knowing what is happening in our nation. Therefore I agree with this comment about the NFL football players kneeling for the national anthem.
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with recent #TakeAKnee campaign in the NFL. Hats-off to Colin Kap for sparking such a thought provoking, conversation starting, peaceful movement because when else can pro athletes consistently protest something while millions are watching live? NFL players taking a knee, sitting, or simply not being present during the national anthem is not a protest against the flag, veterans, or the anthem itself. Rosa Parks was not protesting against the bus. Colonial Americans were not angry at the boxes of tea they threw into the Boston Harbor. Both of the most well known protests in American history were driven by injustice. The very people who are deciding that they will boycott NFL football games in response to the league’s unity with players who decide to sit or kneel, are proving the point I am trying to make in a way. They aren’t protesting football, they are protesting what they believe is not right. In my head there are so many things that I can and want to say for this blog that goes SO much deeper than a simple “protest”. It’s so difficult to breakdown the complex history of racism, how it still exists today, and how it has lead us to where we are today. As a young, light skinned (read high yella) black woman in America I will experience different kinds of/severity of racism and discrimination compared to Cayla, who is a few shades darker than I am. Both of us will live through racism differently than young black men like Jameel and Sherif. Both of them are brown-skinned black males, but Sherif, who talks with a bit slang will still experience a different life than a black guy who “sounds white” like Jameel. It’s mind boggling. Little things like these are what need to be talked about within the black community and all of society. The fact that we refuse to acknowledge that what Cayla, Sherif, Jameel and I can experience on a daily basis simply because of our skin color and other physical characteristics are the reason that protests and movements against racism and the oppression of black people exist.
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