Kneeling: Peaceful Protest or Disrespectful Act? Each year, as the words of our national anthem, are sung, crackling through the air of our stadiums, professional athletes kneel, sit, and lock arms, protesting the rights and liberties of black and African-American citizens. These athletes are protesting the liberties given to us by those who died, fought and shredded their blood in war, crisis and deliberating times. Since these protests have struck, the media has critiqued, and voices bigger than any around us have spoken, all arguing the same central clause. Professional administrators should seek actions against the individuals that kneel and sit during the singing of our national anthem. Kneeling first appeared by 49ers starting quarterback …show more content…
The way in which our society views this separates us, showing how these actions have separated individuals, leaving the pieces of a broken society as the only remaining remembrance. In the case of social media, kneeling has caused thousands of tweets, posts on social media and text messages addressing the issue. There have been instances of name calling, arguing and even fighting. Fighting for the men, women and even children who were sick of a country full of anger, disagreement, and hatred, persevering into a time of help. (“All Across The Country”) Kneeling by professional athletes can be seen as disrespectful to not only veterans but those who had fight for our freedom in nights full of gunfire and smoke, showing that we will never fault as a nation. If we allow these players to kneel, even if it is to protest a national issue, then we are allowing them to disrespect those who fought for our liberties, freedoms, and rights. As Dr. Ben Carson said “Colin Kaepernick disrespected our flag after so many people have sacrificed so that he could have the freedoms that he has today so that he could make a very, very good living in this “racist” land. (NFL Players #TakeAKnee) The will to succeed was shown by these heroes and will forever live in the hearts of American people. So, why disrespect them, …show more content…
The first amendment allows their freedom of speech, religion, and press, so in every way what they are doing is legal. But, does that mean that what they are doing is right? There is a time and place where us, as individuals, need to recognize whether what we are doing is right and if it will actually benefit us. The and place to bring politics into view is not when I am standing up, putting my hand over my heart, and honoring the amazing heroes, citizens and courageous acts that had come before me. "As a soldier, that's not what I fought for and agreed to die for — for someone's rights to be dictated," Kevin Ferrell, a 53-year-old army veteran. “Having a right to do something does not make it the right thing to do.” National American Legion Commander, Denise Rohan. As a veteran, you know what makes me mad? Anybody, but especially those who haven’t served, claiming protesting dishonors my service” Mike Stanley, an army veteran. (What do Veterans Think) It’s heroes like this, heroes that spend their nights in foreign countries, thousands of miles away from their family, friends, and life. Heroes that protect us while we sleep. Heroes that put themselves before others, selflessly. It’s these heroes that we disrespect, humiliate, and abuse when we kneel and sit during the national anthem. Take action now before it is out of your hands to take. Be the stopping force that ends this discrimination… Be the