Colin Kaepernick's Decision To Kneel In The United States
“For the land of the free, and the home of the brave” the final words to our nation’s national anthem. There has been controversy about football players, and many other athletes kneeling during the “Star Spangled Banner” to protest against the tragedies happening in America day after day. The First Amendment gives these athletes the privilege to express their opinions, and their right to kneel during our national anthem. People should stand for the national anthem, because it’s a sign of respect and appreciation for our country. On August 14th, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick made the choice to kneel during the national anthem (Sandritter np). His decision to kneel was because he could not stand in front of a flag that oppresses
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Kendall also stated “It really doesn’t matter. No one is required to stand for the national anthem in the United States of America. Period. The First Amendment expressly forbids making a law that abridges freedom of speech, even if that speech makes people angry” (Kendall np). Although he is correct about the given right, it doesn’t mean it isn’t considered disrespectful. People have died for our nation and for those rights, so the least Colin Kaepernick could do was stand and pay his respect to the men and women who have fought for our freedom. He also says this witty remark towards the end of his article “If it were up to me, the national anthem wouldn’t be played at any sporting event. What’s the point? Why does playing the anthem before a sports event shows some form of respect for the country that isn't necessary for other entertainment” (Kendall np). Many people, who have read what she wrote, would want to strangle Kendall, myself included. The national anthem is played at sporting events because the comparison between a war battle, and sporting rivalries intertwine. The nation loves sports, winning, and patriotism, and the anthem strike all three of those aspects. Kendall then proceeds to tell the audience “Sure, sometimes you make sacrifices for the good of the team. But no one should sacrifice his or her principles, even if it means losing a spot on a team, facing public condemnation or suffering other consequences” (Kendall np). Kaepernick received all of those, in which he deserved every ounce of it. The song may not have been adapted to the nation until 1931, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t get the respect that it deserves and
Kendall also stated “It really doesn’t matter. No one is required to stand for the national anthem in the United States of America. Period. The First Amendment expressly forbids making a law that abridges freedom of speech, even if that speech makes people angry” (Kendall np). Although he is correct about the given right, it doesn’t mean it isn’t considered disrespectful. People have died for our nation and for those rights, so the least Colin Kaepernick could do was stand and pay his respect to the men and women who have fought for our freedom. He also says this witty remark towards the end of his article “If it were up to me, the national anthem wouldn’t be played at any sporting event. What’s the point? Why does playing the anthem before a sports event shows some form of respect for the country that isn't necessary for other entertainment” (Kendall np). Many people, who have read what she wrote, would want to strangle Kendall, myself included. The national anthem is played at sporting events because the comparison between a war battle, and sporting rivalries intertwine. The nation loves sports, winning, and patriotism, and the anthem strike all three of those aspects. Kendall then proceeds to tell the audience “Sure, sometimes you make sacrifices for the good of the team. But no one should sacrifice his or her principles, even if it means losing a spot on a team, facing public condemnation or suffering other consequences” (Kendall np). Kaepernick received all of those, in which he deserved every ounce of it. The song may not have been adapted to the nation until 1931, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t get the respect that it deserves and