During the last few weeks, there has been an odd trend creeping into our nation’s sports. Starting with the actions of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, it has now become fashionable for athletes to sit or take a knee during our national anthem before the game. While everyone has freedom of speech, we are also not immune to backlash resulting from our actions.
With the issue of the national anthem and the flag in the spotlight, it’s been interesting to see who comes out on either side of the issue. Some argue criticism of the nation and its flag is the highest form of free speech. Others like myself take offense to the fact the flag, the very symbol of our country and what it stands for, has been appropriated for political purposes. No matter our differences, the flag of the United States of America is a common symbol. It represents our history, our values and why we are who we are. Fifty stars, one for every state of the union, and 13 stripes for the original 13 colonies who set us off on our journey. Regardless of our politics and how we see the world today, the flag stands above, reminding us of the great idealism and sacrifices that have gotten us to where we are now – even if we don’t always live up to it.
To protest the flag is to protest the very idea of America itself, the belief everyone can get ahead if they work hard enough, with equality for all. That is the essential American dream. I find it hypocritical those who are the most vocal advocates for these protests are also those who have benefited most from the opportunities this great nation provides. The main protesters are professional athletes, individuals who are paid money to play a sport for a living. I would say these are some of the luckiest people in the world. They don’t have to file reports, or teach children or manage a business. They get to do something for a living most of us had to give up after high school, and they get paid millions for it as well. This is a huge disconnect from the lives of ordinary Americans, many of whom cannot afford to live while working their tails off.
People of all ages should remember how lucky we are to live in a country that even allows this kind of behavior. The United States is only about 5 percent of the world’s population. In a large percentage of that other 95 percent, criticizing the government or the leaders, not to mention their flag, will end you up in jail or worse. Every country has room to improve, but to paint such a broad brush over America as a whole is simply insensitive. Kaepernick and his allies have some warranted concerns about the United States. They have every right to hold their beliefs under our Constitution, so why would they criticize the very object that stands for their stated aims? Their goals would be better suited, in my opinion, if they were to contact their representatives in Congress, attend a city council meeting and/or run for office. Highlighting problems is one thing, solving them is another matter.
Everything and everyone has flaws. The United States has some dark times in its history. But the important thing is we are improving. The vast majority of Americans don’t care about your race, your gender or who you love. All of this controversy and protest only serves to keep those divisions in place. People only care about if you are a good, trustworthy and hardworking person. It’s sad we must always come back to infighting and dividing each other rather than seeking out what unites us.
Football and the flag are both no place for politics. They are part of the common heritage of America. They are two of the only things that can make us forget about our everyday concerns and feel proud to be Americans. If even the sports broadcasts are no longer free of partisanship, we are truly lost. The United States of America is a nation unique among others, founded on the principle that all people are created equal and everyone should have the opportunity to succeed. Many have given their lives in service to that ideal. When there are problems or discrimination against people, those issues should be resolved. But in the end, protests and words do nothing. Action does.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
