To sum up, I respect the right of football players to kneel or stand or fall down or hop or whatever they wish to do during the National Anthem. They have the freedom to respond to the anthem or to our country in the way they so choose. This is America where we do not have to fear to express ourselves. Great. But I also do not understand what they are accomplishing nor why it has to be at a football game. I am a fan of football although not addicted in any sense. If I never see another game, that would fine. But if a game is on the television or if I am at a game supporting my school, then I do enjoy it. A game is a game and not a big political moment to support a cause or protest a President or make some kind of social justice comment. It is just a game.
That said, there are things about football that disturb me. As a closet pacifist, I worry that we are glorifying violence and pain as a form of entertainment. A football game is not really all that different in philosophy from the thousands cheering Gladiators in the coliseum. No, death is not imminent but I do think the tackles are painful. We cheer on a fine play and we grunt and smile on a big hit but then we sadly sit quietly when someone is hurt, then we clap when someone limps off the field. Just seems hypocritical at times. I predict a day when stadiums are empty and games are not televised and athletic events are respected for athleticism rather than competition. Won't be in my lifetime, but I do think society will experience the decline of football in the far future.
Patriotism: not particularly patriotic in that I do not wave the flag at every opportunity nor do I "worship" the concept of our country. Having read considerable American history, I am respectful of the efforts to settle our nation and struggle through the many obstacles of what freedom actually means. Regretfully, I do wish I had served our country in the Armed Forces. This is probably the biggest regret of my life and career. Yet, I do not think one should "love it or leave it" nor do I think it is a requirement to give respect to our nation at all circumstances. After all, there is a fine line between respecting our country and agreeing with our government. On the other hand, we are a great country despite our many flaws. We enjoy freedoms, prosperity, opportunity, and progress more than many countries, and I have never taken our country for granted and am always appreciative of being an American.
Race relations in our country is not a simple matter and, as a friend always says, complex problems require complex solutions. No doubt in my mind that we, as a country, are continuing to struggle with a lack of equality and prejudice without justification. We are slowly marching toward human refinement and there will be a day when color of skin or any human distinction will not matter at all. But that day is not today. Sadly, it still shapes our economy and our culture. I, like the football players and, I hope, most people, am disappointed in the lack of equality of our world, of the racism that exists in the workplace, the economy, and in the educational system. I am disappointed that we give lip service to diversity but we cannot seem to embrace it in reality. I envision a world where all people take advantage of the opportunities that are available for education, for self-improvement, and for development of skills for the future of the individual and the collective. I am sad when I see segregated social organizations, churches, meals, activities, events, and cultural development. Only when we do not care what a person looks like will we truly achieve refinement and total integration. This is not only about race but is extended to all ingrained biases and suspicion toward others.
Ultimately it is not about legislation nor economy. It is about education and acceptance of differences while striving for harmonious and unified existence. Truly, what is there to protest? Ourselves, our society, our past, our future? I recommend protesting against yourself the next time you prejudge someone without knowing that person, or the next time you avoid that disabled adult, or the next time you run from someone homeless, or the next time you criticize someone for being fat or ugly or short or poorly dressed. Protest your own problems and work on them. Protesting the National Anthem is your right but not helpful. Time for all of us to take the beam out of our own eye.
