My Perspective of Taking a Knee during the National Anthem
I heard about Trump's comments towards the NFL, players in the NBA, and other sports. I don't like discussing, reading, listening, or watching anything on politics because there's no given reason for it. But this situation made me think about the pros and cons of taking a knee during the National Anthem ever since Colin Kaepernick took a knee last season.
I had an interesting and enlightening conversation with a 40-year Army Ranger at my work and asked him what his opinion was when taking a knee during the anthem. He had no problem with players or anyone taking a knee during a protest, as long as they have a reason and are American citizens. It was no offense to him and assumingly there are some soldiers out there that have no problem with it too. Everyone has a reason for protesting it, but every player in the pro level, college level, and even high school or lower level are not trying to offend the soldiers that are defending are nation.
Last year, there have been a few African Americans that were shot and killed by crooked cops of the opposite race and it sent the country into shock. If any of you remembered Carmelo Anthony's speech, he said that someone has to do something about this injustice. Kaepernick was the very first person to do it on live television before the 49ers preseason game, and now others have taken upon themselves to do the same. It's unfortunate that he was the martyr in all of this, but he set a life-changing example. Believe it or not, I still support Kaepernick even if I questioned his action but he knew that it would make people see the world for what it really is and do something about it.
I was questionable about the taking the knee during the national anthem because I grew up in a military family. I did my research and better understood on how the national anthem came to form and what the American flag represented. It's unfortunate that I couldn't learn more about it before when I was in school but I guess we weren't old enough or ready to understand the real truth. For me personally, I couldn't take a knee unless my family or anyone close were harmed in any way, shape or form by any oppression of our society. If I decided to, I would ask permission from my dad because he's a retired veteran of 25 years in the Marines. I definitely back the support of the players and anyone else that takes a knee because they have a reason for doing it.
Before you say that it's a bad thing to take a knee during the National Anthem, take the time to think why they are doing it. We all know why it's happening more and more since last year, but there are reasons. You all need to understand that some of these players that are making tens to hundreds to thousands to millions of dollars didn't grow up wealthy or had the privilege to earn that much. Some weren't fortunate growing up before they earned that benefit. There's people that grew up from the projects, poor areas, or poor families and had to overcome adversity and survive to get to where they are today. Players even make that much just to give back to their families and the community that have gone through adversities themselves before having them. It's not only players, but soldiers, businessmen, higher ups, every day people, and etc. Not everyone was given that benefit when they were born, so they had to work day in and day out to make a living for their family and/or others.
I don't appreciate the comments that Donald Trump made towards them especially since it offended other people that probably weren't a part of football, basketball or other sports. It's even unprofessional when he makes comments like that behind a computer. COME ON MAN! A COMPUTER? WHEN DOES HE HAVE TIME TO TWEET? Man up and meet these players, owners, players, and even fans in person and hear what they have to say about these issues and why they made that peaceful protest. Discuss those issues and see what you can do to help or change as the President of the United States should.
Despite the issues that we're currently facing as Americans, it's brought more and more people together and closer as a united community. We all bleed the same blood, we all went through some adversity in our lives, and we all especially have flaws. Not all of us had the benefit of getting the proper education, so maybe discuss these issues with other people that don't understand or are ignorant to it. Some may believe it or some may not care, but it's good to discuss these issues with people and educate each other to have a better understanding, but never assume the worst of people. Unify this country and don't divide. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not the Divided States of America.
