Why is it that in the United States, the “land of the free,” are you only free to express yourself as long as it doesn’t ruffle the feathers of millions of perpetually offended Americans? People across every spectrum, whether it be political or otherwise, proudly proclaim that they stand for liberty, freedom and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If this is the case, then why do these same people demand action be taken against those who choose to exercise their liberties and rights in ways that would differ from their own? There is no better example of this national hypocrisy than the reaction to NFL players protesting the Star Spangled Banner.
All of the controversy surrounding the NFL over this issue started on August 26th, 2016, when Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers remained seated during the national anthem before their game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick defended his choice, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” He is referring to the many police related deaths in this country, most recently the killing of Alton Sterling. After going public with his decision, many other players, included Brandon Marshall and Arian Foster, decided to join Kaepernick in protest. These players’ protests have sparked a polarizing debate and garnered criticism from all areas of the country.
Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem.
Many Americans feel these protests show blatant disrespect, not to the flag, but to the country itself. They feel the flag symbolizes love of country, respect to both active military and veterans, and, most of all, pride in the country in which you live. To an extent, these people are correct. Of course, military sacrifice, nationalism, and pride are all deeply intertwined within the fabric of “Old Glory,” but the flag can mean a variety of things to a variety of people. For Kaepernick and company, the flag represents the injustice shown towards those who have died in police related killings, and they are acting accordingly with their beliefs.
The 1st amendment guarantees these players the right to make political statements of their choosing. So why are so many people reacting as if a deeply revered law is being broken? The answer is simple: here in the U.S., we only recognize an individual’s rights as long as they believe as we do and exercise them in a manner we deem appropriate. Here we have Tomi Lahren of The Blaze describing Kaepernick as a “selfish little baby,” as well as bashing soccer player Megan Rapinoe, because they feel injustices are not being acknowledged in this country. Why? Because they do not hold the same collectivist view point of Lahren and many other Americans. The real problem we are having in this country is not stemming from people such as Kaepernick and Rapinoe, but from those such as Lahren, who feel that while you have the right to kneel, you shouldn’t because it is not what the collective approves of. Unfortunately, there are many people who not only disagree with the actions of these athletes, but believe that there should be disciplinary action taken against them.
Rapinoe kneeling in Chicago during the anthem.
Whether it be suspension or termination, how ridiculous is it that in a country that puts liberty on such a high pedestal, so many are angrily demanding that action be taken against people who are simply exercising their rights in compliance with the Constitution. Some might say, “They have a right to kneel during the anthem, but they do not have a right to be free from criticism for it, and I have a right to my opinion.” This is true, but while haughtily using your 1st amendment rights, you are calling for the termination of those who are also using their’s. Bingo! There it is. The hypocrisy that haunts America: the mindset of using your rights to take away the rights of others.
As for myself, I stand and put my hand over my heart during the anthem. It isn’t to show a blind respect to a country that does many things I wholeheartedly disagree with. It is to show respect to men and women who voluntarily gave their lives for this country, only to have their sacrifice tainted by a government that didn’t respect their lives to begin with. Freedom is about defending the liberties of everyone, even those who may be doing things we personally disagree with. We must stop using our rights to take action against those who express their’s in a different manner.
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