This past Sunday, despite my usual disinterest in football, I found myself glued to the news, tracking the NFL games. Why? Well, our president decided to unleash his misguided fury on football players who peacefully protest racial inequality and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem. His remarks? “Get that son of a gun off the field right now, out. He’s fired. He’s fired!” Thankfully, the NFL does not share his sentiments.
Contrary to popular belief, standing for the national anthem isn’t mandatory. As a result, that Sunday saw a surge in players taking a knee, and I hope this trend continues every game day leading up to the Super Bowl. The movement gained momentum on social media with the hashtag #TakeAKnee, allowing everyone, including non-athletes, to participate and show support.
While I wasn’t always a fan of Marcus Jones, I have come to appreciate his activism. With approximately 75% of NFL players being black, the issues that affect the black community resonate within the league. Recently, a player from the Seattle Hawks, Malik Davis, recounted a harrowing experience where he was held at gunpoint by police during a trip to Las Vegas. Despite being a well-paid football player, he’s still perceived as just another black man facing systemic racism, an issue that plagues the broader community.
This is the crux of the players’ protest: they are standing against the unjust killings of innocent individuals solely based on their skin color by those sworn to protect them. For black Americans, simply existing can be seen as a threat.
Critics often argue that athletes should “stick to sports.” However, these athletes, who are often commodified by predominantly white team owners, face the same societal issues as everyone else. Just because they earn more doesn’t shield them from the struggles that come with their identity.
Malik Davis shared that once the police recognized who he was, their behavior changed. Yet, the reality remains: he was targeted because of the color of his skin. “Las Vegas police officers singled me out and drew their weapons on me for doing nothing more than simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he stated.
Athletes have a long history of using their platforms to address racial injustice. Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in baseball, became an advocate for racial equality. Muhammad Ali sacrificed his titles to protest the Vietnam War. The iconic moment of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists during the 1968 Olympic medal ceremony is still remembered today. They faced significant repercussions, yet they understood the importance of speaking out. It’s disheartening to see that in 2017, athletes are still fighting the same battles.
So, why take a knee? Kneeling is a powerful, peaceful form of protest that harkens back to the Civil Rights Movement. A famous image shows Martin Luther King Jr. kneeling with fellow activists before the Selma march. Doing this during the national anthem is particularly poignant, as the anthem represents an America that has often failed to value black lives.
These athletes have one of the largest platforms globally; even games played in England, like the recent showdown between the London Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens, reach millions. They are realizing their ability to effect change through their visibility on the field.
Their right to protest is protected by the First Amendment, just like the historical act of throwing tea into Boston Harbor. But because that rebellion was led by white patriots, it’s viewed differently. This double standard is unacceptable.
Kneeling during the anthem isn’t an affront to patriotism; rather, it exemplifies the very essence of what America was built upon. Patriotism should not be exclusive to a certain demographic, and athletes are standing against that. This is why it’s vital for athletes to continue taking a knee, and why more individuals will join them in standing against the oppressive system.
While you may choose not to kneel, understanding and supporting those who do is crucial. Engaging with movements that promote equality is a step toward progress.
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Summary:
The #TakeAKnee movement, sparked by NFL players protesting racial inequality and police brutality, continues to gain momentum despite criticism. Athletes, like Malik Davis, have shared their personal experiences with systemic racism, highlighting the importance of using their platforms to advocate for change. Kneeling during the national anthem serves as a peaceful protest, drawing attention to the injustices faced by black Americans. Ultimately, supporting this movement is crucial for fostering understanding and progress in society.