It takes courage to risk your livelihood, and often your life, to take a stand against bigotry, racism, and violence. But when a country no longer shows respect for all of its citizens, then those citizens, the disenfranchised, must find a way to make themselves heard.
The NFL players, as well as those in other public positions, have seen kneeling during the national anthem as a way to utilize their visibility to represent groups that have become invisible. It is a peaceful protest. Our flag is only a symbol, and the national anthem only words if the nation no longer embraces the ideals embedded within them.
As a Veteran, I still salute the flag, and as a patriot, I cry every time the national anthem is played.
... But then, I'm not afraid of getting shot by the police.
I'm not watching my kids die from poverty.
I don't get turned down for jobs, housing, schools because I'm not white enough.
I'm not watching my kids die from poverty.
I don't get turned down for jobs, housing, schools because I'm not white enough.
I will never understand the battles these Americans have to fight every hour of every day. So I cannot condemn the actions of those who would be their champions.
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