“Take A Knee” – Athletic Defiance Janet Weiner
Introduction
Colin Kaepernick is an American Football player who wanted to peacefully protest police brutality and racism against African American men. During, the national anthem before a game he “took a knee” in protest. Other football players have joined in this protest. Police brutality has become an incredibly polarizing and contentious issue in America. President Trump took the stance that kneeling during the national anthem is disrespectful to American servicemen and women. He has attempted to rebrand Kaepernick’s protest into a protest against the American Flag instead of a protest against police brutality and racism in the United States. These protests have started people talking about the protesters’ message and their delivery.
Con …show more content…
The flag is one symbol that unifies the nation. When someone kneels during the national anthem it is seen as showing disrespect to the flag, to those who have risked their lives, been injured or died defending the United States. Any group of people refusing to stand for the national anthem makes people angry and divides the country. Some view not standing for the anthem as an ineffective and inappropriate way to protest their cause.
Pro
Kaepernick and his fellow athletes refused to stand for the national anthem because they believe that the United States is not holding up the ideal of liberty, freedom and justice for all. These athletes are exercising their First Amendment rights. Athletes, actors and singers are in the public eye. When they behave a certain way i.e. not standing for the anthem people take notice and start talking.
Description of the
Introduction
Colin Kaepernick is an American Football player who wanted to peacefully protest police brutality and racism against African American men. During, the national anthem before a game he “took a knee” in protest. Other football players have joined in this protest. Police brutality has become an incredibly polarizing and contentious issue in America. President Trump took the stance that kneeling during the national anthem is disrespectful to American servicemen and women. He has attempted to rebrand Kaepernick’s protest into a protest against the American Flag instead of a protest against police brutality and racism in the United States. These protests have started people talking about the protesters’ message and their delivery.
Con …show more content…
The flag is one symbol that unifies the nation. When someone kneels during the national anthem it is seen as showing disrespect to the flag, to those who have risked their lives, been injured or died defending the United States. Any group of people refusing to stand for the national anthem makes people angry and divides the country. Some view not standing for the anthem as an ineffective and inappropriate way to protest their cause.
Pro
Kaepernick and his fellow athletes refused to stand for the national anthem because they believe that the United States is not holding up the ideal of liberty, freedom and justice for all. These athletes are exercising their First Amendment rights. Athletes, actors and singers are in the public eye. When they behave a certain way i.e. not standing for the anthem people take notice and start talking.
Description of the