Should Playing the Anthem Be Suspended to Remove Protest Opportunities?
- Thread starter Random UK Fan
- Start date
Hell no. If I was an owner or a coach, I would cut the players taking a knee. They can go overseas if they aren't happy and privileged to be here.
My philosophy is kneel and or protest all you want, but don't let that be the only thing you do.
People romanticize protesting in this country. "America was built on protest...progress in this era on that issue was made because of protest...we are a nation of protest it's what makes us special...blah blah blah"...BS...
America was built on action, people didn't just holler about things they also did things. Progress in decades past wasn't made because of feet stomping, rioting, but because of productive and reasonable action by all sides. We are not a "nation of protest" we are a nation that can protest.
You can build awareness all you want with kneeling, twitter campaigns, rioting, etc...but that is all ceremony until folks decide that it's time to quit hollering and start putting a little elbow grease into something.
Also, while you're popping off about this, that, and wagging a finger in the direction of one side, you better open your eyes to the reality that there are things you can fix on your end as well.
Long story short, go fix the actual problems on all sides.
People romanticize protesting in this country. "America was built on protest...progress in this era on that issue was made because of protest...we are a nation of protest it's what makes us special...blah blah blah"...BS...
America was built on action, people didn't just holler about things they also did things. Progress in decades past wasn't made because of feet stomping, rioting, but because of productive and reasonable action by all sides. We are not a "nation of protest" we are a nation that can protest.
You can build awareness all you want with kneeling, twitter campaigns, rioting, etc...but that is all ceremony until folks decide that it's time to quit hollering and start putting a little elbow grease into something.
Also, while you're popping off about this, that, and wagging a finger in the direction of one side, you better open your eyes to the reality that there are things you can fix on your end as well.
Long story short, go fix the actual problems on all sides.
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The answer is no. That would be giving in to the protesters.
These guys doing this aren't doing anything to solve any issues they claim to be concerned about. It's only bringing negative attention to themselves. If Kaepernick is so concerned he should be at marches and demonstrations but it's easier just to sit or kneel down and draw attention to himself during the Anthem.
These guys doing this aren't doing anything to solve any issues they claim to be concerned about. It's only bringing negative attention to themselves. If Kaepernick is so concerned he should be at marches and demonstrations but it's easier just to sit or kneel down and draw attention to himself during the Anthem.
That would be the equivalent of always staying home because there is terrorism.
NO.
NO.
Well, apparently they are taking your advice and doing more action and less talk in Charlotte. When protesters destroy and get violent it upsets people. When they quietly take a knee in protest it upsets people. What do you want?
Peacefully protest at a march or rally.
When you listen to how badly the National Anthem is played or sung and irreverant some fans act in the stands,you have to wonder why the Anthem is played at all.
Ignore the protesters and you will get less of them. They are looking for their 15 minutes of fame.
I support their right to protest. However, if they feel the need to do it during the national anthem I would let them rest and recover (and sit) for the entire game. Things would change quickly as I believe at least one coach already learned when he used this approach.
It's clearly stated.
Productive action on both sides.
Meaning, the selection and training process for cops needs to be improved. There needs to be an emphasis on conflict resolution training and how to talk to people as well as asses whether or not they pose a legitimate threat. There needs to be more training with non lethal methods of apprehension. Just as well, there should be a concerted effort to recruit minority police and put them in positions to serve primarily minority areas.
On the other side of the equation people of any and all colors need to learn to just cooperate. If the police are wrong, that can be proven in court. It is absolutely asinine to try and resist. Cops usually have the numbers, the weapons, and the law on their side.
This idea that cops only overreact with minorities and are going out of their way to act in a discriminatory manner with people of color is a destructive and nonsensical idea. Cops are rough with all colors.
Also, as it pertains to the african american community. There are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with. Drugs, fatherless homes, gang influence, rampant irresponsible sexual behavior that leads to multiple kids with different dads growing up in an unstable environment, a reverence for the hip/hop/rap culture that promotes behaviors that perpetuate all the problems, a philosophy of "don't snitch" that encourages not cooperating with authorities.
By the time somebody is beat down or worse it is too late. Reactive behavior doesn't solve problems, proactive efforts do.
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Peaceful demonstrations are totally appropriate. Writing letters, volunteering in your community in the area at issue is even better. Rioting, looting and using these occasions for self promotion should be considered inappropriate and dealt with accordingly. I have no problem with Colin Kaepernick's protest, as long as he is willing to work on getting changes in police training that will minimize unnecessary deaths - black, white, Latino, etc. I applaud Michael Jordan and Kaepernick, who have given money to police training organizations. This is a good first step in a commitment to a cause.
NO! Appreciate it or quit!I posed this question on the nat'l board ( Link ) too. Not saying it should or shouldn't, I'm just not crazy as it being seen as the right moment to distract from our ,military, etc.
Go Big Blue!
Ever observe other people during the national anthem? How many are talking or are on their phone? How many men with a cap actually have the cap across their heart? How about parachuting into a stadium with a flag and dragging the flag on the ground? All these things are disrespectful to the national anthem/flag too but none of it makes the national news.
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Huh? Kaepernick is a backup QB. So you would make the backup who doesn't play sit the bench?
At UK the players are not on the field when the National Anthem is played. Do that in the NFL and it takes the attention away from the players.
It's not one or the other. Those people deserve the same swift kick in the *** Kaepernick deserves.
I posed this question on the nat'l board ( Link ) too. Not saying it should or shouldn't, I'm just not crazy as it being seen as the right moment to distract from our ,military, etc.
Did you post a comment....?
No then the naggots and scumbag players win! I say everytime you take a knee u sit out that immediate game and your pay is forfeited. If you dont like it either find another career or gtfo of our country you maggots!
No. It doesn't really bother me if people protest, but I certainly wouldn't stop playing the anthem.
Do players have the right to not stand for the national anthem? Yes they do. Do they have a right to express their opinion on issues going on in our country? Absolutely. However, hundreds of thousands if not millions of Americans have given life and limb defending this country so we have the freedoms and liberty we all have and share today. So to not stand for the national anthem, in my opinion, devalues and disrespects those who risked their lives defending this country. :fistbump:
Standing for the anthem is a social construct. It inherently has no meaning or value. So really, in the grande scheme of existence, it's stupid to care one way or the other.
I served in the military and some of my childhood friends and buddies died in combat. They did not die for anybody's right to protest our nation. That is a constitutional right Each one of these boys wanted to live and they had no intention of laying down their life so some spoiled NFL player could disrespect our flag and the national anthem. They died wanting to live but were willing to die to save the life of their fellow soldiers and marines. Not for some misguided U.S. citizen burning flags or showing disrespect for those who served. Not some elitist college professor who does everything in their power to destroy our democracy. They did not die for these people. That would be a waste of life.
The protesters have a point, too many AAs are being harmed or killed by the actions of some police who either are poorly trained panic or worse. Having said that their protest is IMO misdirected. The flag and national anthem, which are the symbols they are protesting against, represents our Constitution and laws that guarantee equal protection for all citizens. So the very thing that stands to correct this issue is the thing they choose to protest against. This makes no sense to me.
I have no problem with "hands up don't shoot" for a few second coming onto the field or similar but all citizens should respect the flag and the national anthem.
I have no problem with "hands up don't shoot" for a few second coming onto the field or similar but all citizens should respect the flag and the national anthem.
No. I'd slightly change the original premise. How about we suspend the players who protest. When wearing someones uniform, they have no right to act as they please. I would end it, immediately, if I had those people on my team. Owners and coaches should be questioned on why they are condoning the disrespect.
I say go ahead and protest nonviolently anywhere you want in this country. Those who disagree have a right to counter-protest nonviolently.
The NFL is a total joke. They want to say players have a right to protest during the national anthem yet at the same time control and restrict the expression of joy after a touchdown or big play is made. Or say 9/11 tribute shoes are prohibited. The commissioner is a gutless candyass who is a total hypocrite.
Tyranny ? Good Lord. If I'm the coach/owner, while you're representing me, you'll adhere to certain rules. That's called a job. In their off time they can say whatever stupid crap they want. Do you need a safe space now from my micro-aggressions?