Silent Protest Dbq

Should silent protest be allowed as a way to deliver a message, regarding racial tension? Controversial views of the NFL are all over. Our national anthem is “Star Spangled Banner” which inspires an emotional reaction, but controversy arises when professional athletes refuse to stand when it is played. Some believe it is a sign of silent protest, while others see it as disrespect towards our country because afterall, it is a tradition. It is not disrespectful for NFL players to take a knee during the national anthem because it is a freedom, there are justifications and it is possible that the actions that are taken as disrespect, may have a double meaning or outlook. First of all, refusing to stand and taking a knee should not be taken as

According to Document A, “ The San Francisco 49ers said in a statement, ‘In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.’ ” Not standing during the national anthem is considered a freedom of religion and even of expression because believe it or not, you have the right as an individual to choose between participating or not. In the end, this means that since you have the power to choose, kneeling during the national anthem is considered your opinion and use of freedom which brings no disrespect at all. Document B stated the following, “ ‘The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual's religious

Document A states that, “A letter signed by 35 US veterans stated that ‘Far from disrespecting our troops, there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech.’ ” This quote shows that although some may say that the professional athletes that knelt during the national anthem was a way of disrespecting troops, US veterans are in the contrary of this statement, by saying that it is a form of appreciation of their sacrifice. As a matter of fact, Document A stated that, “Refusing to stand for the national anthem shows disrespect for the flag and members. The national anthem pays respect to the people who have risked their lives, been injured, or died defending the United States of America.” As shown by this quote, one meaning can be that this silent protest is meant as basically underappreciating people that have risked their life for America. On the other hand, this can be viewed as a way of expressing their freedom of speech, protest and expression. In the end, actions taken towards the national anthem can have a double meaning or