Hey, you. Yeah, you. The guy I saw scratching his leg and popping his gum while the singer went to the next level of “O’er the land of the freeee-HEEEE!” at the Yankee game!
Ok, so maybe I didn’t see anyone like that, but if you’ve ever been to a sporting event, chances are you’ve seen that guy during the National Anthem. He’s de-shelling peanuts, she’s on the phone, their daughter’s got that exasperated teenage look on her face, like she wants to be anywhere else, and their son’s playing Pokemon Go. While I really don’t get, and maybe even not like those people, ultimately I dismiss said behavior as ignorance during a moment of patriotism, as well as being wrapped up in their own minds. Never would I actually question their love of country or wonder if they’re liberal SJW’s indoctrinated with hate of America, from a school that starts with O and ends with “Berlin.” (Yes, I’m kidding, yes, I’m sure the school’s very patriotic.)
I wouldn’t question Gabby Douglas’s patriotism either. Quick intro: The U.S. women’s gymnastics team took home the gold medal last week, after finishing first overall in team competition in the Rio Olympics. Douglas, however, was not able to participate in the individual final because only the two highest-scoring members from each country’s team during the qualifiers are allowed in. Although Douglas finished third overall, her two teammates, Aly Raisman and Simone Biles, finished ahead of her. She did, however, join her other four teammates in securing the gold in the team final. During the playing of the National Anthem, this picture was taken of the team.
In the days ensuing, there have been constant attacks from Stars and Stripes Zombies on Twitter. FYI, those are the guys that yell at you for being a bad American if you don’t have 20 “Support the Troops” bumper stickers on your car.
#truth #GabbyDouglas You slapped America in the face and you want to be a crybaby, get over yourself @gabrielledoug https://t.co/egpe7qu4dC
— Elaine O (@lehksh) August 15, 2016
#GabbyDouglas, I’ve said great things about you BEFORE the National Anthem played! Have some respect for your flag and your country! #USA
— Kimberly Ellen (@KimberlyEllen93) August 10, 2016
Let’s be honest, as I stated earlier, we’ve all seen worse at events. I thought this direct smack to the couch-potato athletes was brilliant.
As long as everyone who tweeted at Gabby Douglas stood for the anthem in their living room with their hand on their heart, I’ve no problem.
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) August 15, 2016
Meanwhile, Gabby Douglas has had to absorb all the criticism thousands of miles from home, and right after she earned her third gold medal. While she tweeted out an explanation and apology, it didn’t stop the abuse coming from all ends. She did, of course, have her supporters, including conservative celebrity James Woods.
I’m so sick of these astonishing achievers being disrespected. #LoveGabby #GabbyDouglas https://t.co/PknhrE3kCN
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 15, 2016
Right now, we live in a culture where athletes are going more and more off script, and sometimes getting political, in the arena of sport where people seek distractions from social, economic and foreign problems. I understand the sensitivity of people who feel anyone wearing USA on their jerseys are acting even slightly against the salute or hand-over-heart routine, especially now when police officers are being attacked, and the streets of Ferguson, Baltimore, and Milwaukee are being burned and trashed. Just know this: I had a basketball coach in high school who put his hands behind his back at attention. Some people bow their heads; Yankee great Reggie Jackson once said he used the Anthem as a time of meditation and prayer.
I’m a firm believer of “change begins at home.” If you’re really that concerned, make sure from now on that you stand at full attention, hand over heart, when the Anthem is played, without moving. Just like Buzz Williams at Virginia Tech.
