When I think of the national anthem, I immediately see red white and blue stripes, the people that serve in our armed forces, the fourth of July. This may only be my perspective on the national anthem and it probably accounts for why I always place my hand over my heart and stand proudly when it is played. And only recently have I had to ask myself "Is it wrong for me to do this? Is it wrong for me to feel proud during this moment?"
Collin Kaepernick, a football player for the San Francisco 49ers, was the first to start the "epidemic" of not standing during the national anthem. His reasoning behind the gesture is to show support for people of color who are being oppressed in the United States and to take a stand against police brutality.
I do agree with Kaepernick that these are major issues that our Country needs to bring awareness and a solution too but I'm not sure sitting during the national anthem is the best way to send that signal to the rest of the world.
More and more people continue to sit or make stands against the national anthem in a way to have their voices heard. Even some of our fellow bobcats sat and raised a fist during the national anthem at the football game on saturday night.
I'm thankful for the people who have chosen to speak out in this very peaceful manner. The rioting and the violence that is happening in other parts of the country right now are heart breaking.
The complicated part is finding a happy medium between violence and staying silent. Maybe sitting during the national anthem is what it will take to have our problems and our voices heard. Just maybe this will help solve the problems of injustice and discrimination that is happening.
I don't have all the answers to how to solve this problem in our world today I don't know if anyone does. What are y'alls thoughts? How do you feel about not standing during the national anthem? Will it make the difference? If not, then what will make the difference?
There is no doubt that we should be thankful for the men and women in the armed forces but not standing or standing up for the national anthem does not mean that you appreciate them any less.There are plenty of ways that you can support our troops without standing up for the national anthem.
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