Standing for Something

Racist symbol?

Why do we stand when the US National Anthem is played?  If you refuse to stand, what does it say about you?

A huge flap was kicked-off when a SF 49ers football star quarterback decided to sit when the Anthem is played.  He says, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

What a dipshit!


Now don't get me wrong.  I am not a flag waver.  I don't fly a flag on a pole in my yard, I don't have flags waving from my pick-up truck. Nor do I flaunt my so-called patriotism with bumper stickers or embroidered clothing.   But when I am at a sporting event where the Anthem is played, I get up and stand respectfully, like everyone else.

To me it is an expression of unity.   I regard the National Anthem and flag as symbols that represent the highest ideals that we share as Americans:  Freedom, Equality, Justice.  For all.

Everyone is standing except one dipshit

When I am standing, I am thinking what a great world it would be if everyone could be free to follow their own path in life, free from poverty, oppression and hatred.  When the crowd rises I imagine that they do so in an act of sharing a momentary sense of togetherness and pride.  It's an expression of gratitude to those (civilian and soldier) who have sacrificed time, treasure and blood, to keep our way of life secure.

(Full disclosure:  I'm also thinking that the beer is wickedly over-priced)

I recognize some folks see the flag as the symbol of all  the injustices and evils that have been done, often under the guise of "defending our freedom."  I get that we see what we want to see. If you feel like a victim, someone must be to blame.  And I acknowledge that every individual has the right to express their view.

And, what country is he talking about?  South Africa?

He certainly is not referring to the USA that I live in.  I am not saying that racism against blacks and other minorities doesn't exist.  It exists everywhere in the world, in every institution.  But I don't know of any country where minorities have a better chance to get ahead in terms of  jobs, education, wealth and power.   

Mohammed Ali is often cited as a man of principle.  He refused to be drafted during the Vietnam conflict, famously saying "

“I Ain't Got No Quarrel With The VietCong...No VietCong Ever Called Me Nigger.”

He lost his championship title for that principled stand.  Most Americans respect a man who stands-up for what he believes, even if it isn't popular.  

But sitting down, showing contempt for the symbols of freedom, justice and equality, not-so-much.