As a non-American, when I was first made aware of the controversy surrounding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, I couldn’t understand why Americans were so offended and upset by the player’s actions. It seemed like a fairly clear-cut case of the players exercising their First Amendment right to free speech, in a moment that many Americans consider an important part of their cultural identity.
That was until I went to several major league sporting events in the United States, then it all started to make sense.
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In the moments after the announcer makes the proud proclamation that the national anthem is about to be sung, the entire atmosphere in the arena transforms from one of sporting gladiators plying their trade, to one of great reverence and respect.
As the entire crowd silently rises to their feet, hands on their hearts, and the performer begins belting out “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a truly amazing event occurs. In that moment, all the problems faced by the crowd as individuals and the nation as a whole melt away, leaving only the crowd of tens of thousands of patriotic Americans.
For those 90 seconds, every American in that stadium is united as one, in the love for their country, in their commitment to the nations shared values and in the common cause of all Americans hoping for a better tomorrow.
It’s a special moment I feel privileged to have experienced, when Americans put aside the polarization of their nation and simply show pride in what their country stands for.
For that reason, it’s not hard to understand why so many patriotic Americans struggle with the medium of protest chosen by the NFL players.
It’s most certainly well within their rights to choose that particular moment to make their message about racial inequality and police violence against minorities clear. But their chosen protest medium intersects with a moment many Americans consider a sacred confirmation of their love for their country and of a sense of togetherness that transcends race, color, and creed.
The way the protests have been handled by elements from both ends of the political spectrum has made an already emotive and complex issue even more polarizing and divisive.
Instead of simply acknowledging some of the basic realities of the controversy, overly emotional rhetoric and political point-scoring has often poured gasoline on an already roaring fire.
The players are raising a number of serious issues in dire need of addressing that are currently not be adequately acted upon by multiple levels of government on both sides of the aisle. There does however need to be some basic acknowledgment by those who support the players that the protests are treading on a sacred moment of American togetherness and patriotism that has become a symbol of the best parts of American life for many.
Ultimately, this extremely emotive issue needs to be viewed through a lens of understanding and tolerance from both sides. The players and those offended by the protests could come together to act upon the serious issues they have so publicly raised. Those on both sides just need to find the willingness to work together toward that worthy common goal.
Tarric Brooker is an Australian freelance journalist.
