Art
English
History
Research Topic: National Anthem Protest
Is protesting during the National Anthem disrespectful to our heritage, our nation and the people that live and serve our country? Protesting during what is known as an act that celebrates our freedom affects many Americans who take pride in their country. Everyone from service men and women, to people from other countries that took years to become citizens of our great nation, to everyday people. Many believe there is a time and place to protest. A football game is not one of them. The morning after a handful of NFL players renewed their protests against social inequality and police brutality by raising fists or kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. This is a sign of disrespect when you do it during the national anthem, because the perception by most is that you are kneeling in a precise moment when we’re to be standing at attention to honor our flag, our veterans and nation alike. A football game and sporting events are for all ages. They are meant to be a source for entertainment. Sports events in our country have a tradition to honor our freedom because without it we wouldn't have players, teams, coaches and fans. We often honor our veterans and have special ceremonies at football games, stretch our flag out onto the field, and allow servicemen to flip the coin prior to the game. Likewise with baseball, oftentimes someone is honored with throwing the first pitch.
In the NFL Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the Anthem to protest police brutality. He wasn’t the only one, soon many followed his lead. Which is thought to be very disrespectful being football is an all American sport and singing the anthem is a tradition all Americans should participate in. Even if you are not American, you are in America and you should respect our traditions. Afterall, you are here for a reason. We should be proud of where we live and the freedoms it allows. The anthem and the flag are powerful symbols and looked at in high regard. When Colin started protesting he wasn't protesting about something that happened, that he was passionate about. He was there for a game, he was a work and his fans were there for entertainment purposes. The other team was there to compete, not watch a personal display that could be done on his own time. So it is the thought of by many Americans including the President that this protest could have taken place at a more appropriate time.
“The NFL players are at it again - taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their outrage at something that most of them can not define”. They are making a fortune doing what they love.., be happy, be cool! A football game is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be suspended without pay!” - Says President Trump. The President, the highest position in America feels this is unamerican and that they are being paid to do a job. “My brother continued his protest of systemic oppression tonight by taking a knee. Albert Wilson joined him in protest. Stay strong brothers. '' - Kaepernick (Belson, hoffman) Professional athletes are highly compensated for their talent. Tickets and merchandise are purchased for entertainment purposes. Fans of these teams are there to follow their teams and admire there favorites. They do not purchase tickets to watch a player protest a cause they may not agree with or care about. They are there for the sport. When this first began many fans at the game or that are watching nationwide didn't even know why it was happening. Protesting isn't effective if those watching your display don't know what you're protesting about or against.
On September 7, 2017, the first day of the NFL season, Kaepernick announced his latest charity donations totaling 100,000. He donated 25,000 to four different charities. “I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and make the kind of money I do, and I have to help these people” Kaepernick said in September 2016 when first announcing his pledge. “ I have to help these communities. It is not right that they’re not put in the position to succeed, or given the opportunities to succeed.” - Kaepernick (Parker) This is proof that Kaepernick is a good person with good intentions. He donates and helps the people and communities around him. He has the support of his team and the Union he is in. He is giving and kind regardless of his current political position and his stance on protesting. Based on his beliefs and his actions he feels protesting by taking a knee is appropriate. Everyone has their own opinion, including the NFLPA. They stand with its players and feel they have rights and make it clear they are not apologetic.
“NFL players do incredible things to contribute to their communities. No man or woman should have to choose a job that forces them to surrender their rights. No worker or athlete, professional or not, should be forced to become less than human when it comes to protecting their basic health and safety”. - NFLPA (Smith)
We understand our job as a union is not to win a popularity contest and it comes with the duty to protect the rights of our members. For that we make no apologies and never will”. - NFLPA (Kevin) Kaepernick along with others don’t understand that their rights are not being stripped from them. They do have the right to protest in any fashion they choose as long as it is lawful. They have a right to express their opinion and protest if they choose to. It just can’t be done while they are working. These things can not be done at the expense and time of their fans. Part of the position of a player in the NFL is to entertain, not push their agenda on others. Having these protests did not subject his health or safety as the NFLPA stated (Kevin)
Veterans on the other-hand have different thoughts on the subject. Some feel it’s disrespectful to the men and women who serve as well as to the flag.
“People who kneel during the anthem (whether they know it or not) push an anti-America message.” - Veteran (Lowary) And for him “that ain’t cool.” - Veteran (Lowary) Veterans fight for our freedom. They die so we can enjoy the freedoms of our nation. So they feel like they are fighting for rights many take for granted. “What gets me is that people don’t use their freedom responsibly. Kneeling during the anthem does attack a powerful symbol (the flag) and that predictably upsets lots of people.” - Veteran (Lowary) Some Americans, especially in the service see the flag as a symbol of something sacred. It shouldn’t touch the floor and never be burned. So when we don't salute it and show prideful towards it, it feels as if it and everyone who cherishes what it represents is being attacked. “As a soldier that’s not what I fought for and agreed to die for - for someone's rights to be dictated.” - Veteran (Lowary)
This is a very different perspective. It does seem like when someone is kneeling, people automatically think it’s anti-American and that they hate the country for whatever reason. Some believe that these protests are the very freedoms we are fighting for. Because of our freedom one has the right to express their opinion, but often when doing this many people are confused and don’t understand your intentions and the purpose for your actions so they assume what they want. In this case it became a political debate and high contravsal. That is why it could be done in a better place and time with like minded people and their message can be understood in an atmosphere when it can be discussed.
In the past few years, the Pentagon spent 6.8 million to pay for patriotic displays during the games of professional sports teams. For example, taxpayers paid 49,000 to the Milwaukee Brewers to allow the Wisconsin Army National Guard to sponsor the Sunday singing of “ God Bless America.” In another contract, the New York Jets were paid 20,000 to “recognize one to two New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers as hometown heroes.” - NPR (Peralta). This shows that our Government stands by are nation, our flag, and constitution. As a whole they respect this life long tradition as an American to honor the flag and what it stands for. Our nation recognizes our patriotism and pays to display it to the world. We are prideful and thankful for our freedom. Protesting at games started off small with Kaepernick which changed once Trump and American politics became involved. The President's opinion is strong in that protesting in this manor is a “total disrespect of our heritage” - Trump (Willingham). So celebrate our freedom as a united nation and stop taking such freedoms for granted.
Is protesting during the National Anthem disrespectful to our heritage, our nation and the people that live and serve our country? Protesting during what is known as an act that celebrates our freedom affects many Americans who take pride in their country. Everyone from service men and women, to people from other countries that took years to become citizens of our great nation, to everyday people. Many believe there is a time and place to protest. A football game is not one of them. The morning after a handful of NFL players renewed their protests against social inequality and police brutality by raising fists or kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. This is a sign of disrespect when you do it during the national anthem, because the perception by most is that you are kneeling in a precise moment when we’re to be standing at attention to honor our flag, our veterans and nation alike. A football game and sporting events are for all ages. They are meant to be a source for entertainment. Sports events in our country have a tradition to honor our freedom because without it we wouldn't have players, teams, coaches and fans. We often honor our veterans and have special ceremonies at football games, stretch our flag out onto the field, and allow servicemen to flip the coin prior to the game. Likewise with baseball, oftentimes someone is honored with throwing the first pitch.
In the NFL Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the Anthem to protest police brutality. He wasn’t the only one, soon many followed his lead. Which is thought to be very disrespectful being football is an all American sport and singing the anthem is a tradition all Americans should participate in. Even if you are not American, you are in America and you should respect our traditions. Afterall, you are here for a reason. We should be proud of where we live and the freedoms it allows. The anthem and the flag are powerful symbols and looked at in high regard. When Colin started protesting he wasn't protesting about something that happened, that he was passionate about. He was there for a game, he was a work and his fans were there for entertainment purposes. The other team was there to compete, not watch a personal display that could be done on his own time. So it is the thought of by many Americans including the President that this protest could have taken place at a more appropriate time.
“The NFL players are at it again - taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their outrage at something that most of them can not define”. They are making a fortune doing what they love.., be happy, be cool! A football game is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be suspended without pay!” - Says President Trump. The President, the highest position in America feels this is unamerican and that they are being paid to do a job. “My brother continued his protest of systemic oppression tonight by taking a knee. Albert Wilson joined him in protest. Stay strong brothers. '' - Kaepernick (Belson, hoffman) Professional athletes are highly compensated for their talent. Tickets and merchandise are purchased for entertainment purposes. Fans of these teams are there to follow their teams and admire there favorites. They do not purchase tickets to watch a player protest a cause they may not agree with or care about. They are there for the sport. When this first began many fans at the game or that are watching nationwide didn't even know why it was happening. Protesting isn't effective if those watching your display don't know what you're protesting about or against.
On September 7, 2017, the first day of the NFL season, Kaepernick announced his latest charity donations totaling 100,000. He donated 25,000 to four different charities. “I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and make the kind of money I do, and I have to help these people” Kaepernick said in September 2016 when first announcing his pledge. “ I have to help these communities. It is not right that they’re not put in the position to succeed, or given the opportunities to succeed.” - Kaepernick (Parker) This is proof that Kaepernick is a good person with good intentions. He donates and helps the people and communities around him. He has the support of his team and the Union he is in. He is giving and kind regardless of his current political position and his stance on protesting. Based on his beliefs and his actions he feels protesting by taking a knee is appropriate. Everyone has their own opinion, including the NFLPA. They stand with its players and feel they have rights and make it clear they are not apologetic.
“NFL players do incredible things to contribute to their communities. No man or woman should have to choose a job that forces them to surrender their rights. No worker or athlete, professional or not, should be forced to become less than human when it comes to protecting their basic health and safety”. - NFLPA (Smith)
We understand our job as a union is not to win a popularity contest and it comes with the duty to protect the rights of our members. For that we make no apologies and never will”. - NFLPA (Kevin) Kaepernick along with others don’t understand that their rights are not being stripped from them. They do have the right to protest in any fashion they choose as long as it is lawful. They have a right to express their opinion and protest if they choose to. It just can’t be done while they are working. These things can not be done at the expense and time of their fans. Part of the position of a player in the NFL is to entertain, not push their agenda on others. Having these protests did not subject his health or safety as the NFLPA stated (Kevin)
Veterans on the other-hand have different thoughts on the subject. Some feel it’s disrespectful to the men and women who serve as well as to the flag.
“People who kneel during the anthem (whether they know it or not) push an anti-America message.” - Veteran (Lowary) And for him “that ain’t cool.” - Veteran (Lowary) Veterans fight for our freedom. They die so we can enjoy the freedoms of our nation. So they feel like they are fighting for rights many take for granted. “What gets me is that people don’t use their freedom responsibly. Kneeling during the anthem does attack a powerful symbol (the flag) and that predictably upsets lots of people.” - Veteran (Lowary) Some Americans, especially in the service see the flag as a symbol of something sacred. It shouldn’t touch the floor and never be burned. So when we don't salute it and show prideful towards it, it feels as if it and everyone who cherishes what it represents is being attacked. “As a soldier that’s not what I fought for and agreed to die for - for someone's rights to be dictated.” - Veteran (Lowary)
This is a very different perspective. It does seem like when someone is kneeling, people automatically think it’s anti-American and that they hate the country for whatever reason. Some believe that these protests are the very freedoms we are fighting for. Because of our freedom one has the right to express their opinion, but often when doing this many people are confused and don’t understand your intentions and the purpose for your actions so they assume what they want. In this case it became a political debate and high contravsal. That is why it could be done in a better place and time with like minded people and their message can be understood in an atmosphere when it can be discussed.
In the past few years, the Pentagon spent 6.8 million to pay for patriotic displays during the games of professional sports teams. For example, taxpayers paid 49,000 to the Milwaukee Brewers to allow the Wisconsin Army National Guard to sponsor the Sunday singing of “ God Bless America.” In another contract, the New York Jets were paid 20,000 to “recognize one to two New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers as hometown heroes.” - NPR (Peralta). This shows that our Government stands by are nation, our flag, and constitution. As a whole they respect this life long tradition as an American to honor the flag and what it stands for. Our nation recognizes our patriotism and pays to display it to the world. We are prideful and thankful for our freedom. Protesting at games started off small with Kaepernick which changed once Trump and American politics became involved. The President's opinion is strong in that protesting in this manor is a “total disrespect of our heritage” - Trump (Willingham). So celebrate our freedom as a united nation and stop taking such freedoms for granted.
Annotated Bibliography
Flipsnack. “Create a Free Account.” Flipsnack,
https://www.flipsnack.com/page-flip-software/editor/fvh3qukzy.
This site helped me a lot when it specifically came to my english portion of project. For my english portion I made a news article on, Paid Patriotism. I found a template using this site and was able to edit all of my information into it, and pictures as well. This is one of the most important sites for my second project.
“The Economic and Social Impact of the NFL.” NFL Football Operations,
https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/economic-social-impact/.
This site was the start of my whole entire project. This site helped me get my starting research and also sprout to other websites to get more. The information I got from this site specifically helped me when it came to both my english and history portion of my second project. I got quotes and facts from this website which helped both my research paper and my news article.
Brodkin, Jon. “NCAA Fights California over New Law That Helps Athletes Get Paid.” Ars
Technica, 30 Sept. 2019, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/09/ncaa-athletes-could-be-paid-for-being-in-video-games-under-new-calif-law/.
This site helped me a lot with my english portion of my second project. This helps me talk about paid patriotism which was my topic. This site also helped me based on the topic of the article which was the NCAA. Without this site and the information I got from it my News Article wouldn't be what it is, or as good as it is.
“Disgraced Bill Cosby And Stanford Rapist Cause Calif. Legislators To Create New Laws To
Protect Victims.” Highlight Hollywood, 30 Aug. 2016,
http://highlighthollywood.com/2016/08/disgraced-bill-cosby-and-stanford-rapist-cause-calif-legislators-to-create-new-laws-to-protect-victims/.
This site was a big help for englsih portion of my project. This specifically spiced up my english portion because this site gave me an image that I put into my template for my new article. The image also related directly to a part of my template as well which was a perfect match. Without this picture/site my new article would look blah.
Simmons, Samantha. “Colin Kaepernick: Why We Should Kneel with Him.” Lancer Link,
https://thelancerlink.com/opinion-editorial/2016/10/12/colin-kaepernick-why-we-should-
kneel-with-him/.
This site helped me with my art portion for my second project. This helped me create my art piece and make it what it is. This image helped me position colin keapernick in my art piece. Without this reference image my art piece would not be the same.
Additional sources
www.nflpa.com
www.flipsnack.com
www.nytimes.com
www.tennessean.com
theundefeated.com
www.npr.org
www.cnn.com
www.zocalopublicsquare.org
www.wbur.org
www.washingtonpost.com
www.huffpost.com
www.vox.com
operations.nfl.com
https://www.flipsnack.com/page-flip-software/editor/fvh3qukzy.
This site helped me a lot when it specifically came to my english portion of project. For my english portion I made a news article on, Paid Patriotism. I found a template using this site and was able to edit all of my information into it, and pictures as well. This is one of the most important sites for my second project.
“The Economic and Social Impact of the NFL.” NFL Football Operations,
https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/economic-social-impact/.
This site was the start of my whole entire project. This site helped me get my starting research and also sprout to other websites to get more. The information I got from this site specifically helped me when it came to both my english and history portion of my second project. I got quotes and facts from this website which helped both my research paper and my news article.
Brodkin, Jon. “NCAA Fights California over New Law That Helps Athletes Get Paid.” Ars
Technica, 30 Sept. 2019, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/09/ncaa-athletes-could-be-paid-for-being-in-video-games-under-new-calif-law/.
This site helped me a lot with my english portion of my second project. This helps me talk about paid patriotism which was my topic. This site also helped me based on the topic of the article which was the NCAA. Without this site and the information I got from it my News Article wouldn't be what it is, or as good as it is.
“Disgraced Bill Cosby And Stanford Rapist Cause Calif. Legislators To Create New Laws To
Protect Victims.” Highlight Hollywood, 30 Aug. 2016,
http://highlighthollywood.com/2016/08/disgraced-bill-cosby-and-stanford-rapist-cause-calif-legislators-to-create-new-laws-to-protect-victims/.
This site was a big help for englsih portion of my project. This specifically spiced up my english portion because this site gave me an image that I put into my template for my new article. The image also related directly to a part of my template as well which was a perfect match. Without this picture/site my new article would look blah.
Simmons, Samantha. “Colin Kaepernick: Why We Should Kneel with Him.” Lancer Link,
https://thelancerlink.com/opinion-editorial/2016/10/12/colin-kaepernick-why-we-should-
kneel-with-him/.
This site helped me with my art portion for my second project. This helped me create my art piece and make it what it is. This image helped me position colin keapernick in my art piece. Without this reference image my art piece would not be the same.
Additional sources
www.nflpa.com
www.flipsnack.com
www.nytimes.com
www.tennessean.com
theundefeated.com
www.npr.org
www.cnn.com
www.zocalopublicsquare.org
www.wbur.org
www.washingtonpost.com
www.huffpost.com
www.vox.com
operations.nfl.com