Community weighs in on national anthem protests
As another Sunday approaches, many Porterville residents, whether they are sports fans or not, will be tuning in to see the latest chapter of what has become a national conversation: national anthem protests by professional athletes at sporting events.
Before a preseason game in 2016, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, sat down instead of standing during the playing of “The Star-spangled Banner”. He later explained his position stating, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
The event immediately became a polarizing and controversial topic around the country — are professional athletes using their First Amendment rights to make a bold and courageous statement about inequality in America, or are they blaspheming the very institutions that protect those rights with their lack of reverence?
The Recorder took the question to Porterville residents this week, and opinions on the topic ranged widely.
Some say the protests are disrespectful to
American institutions and ideals, and especially insulting to those who serve our country in the military.
“I think it’s a shame. These privileged millionaires get to play a game for a living and they’ve gotten my support, all I ask the decency to honor our flag, because there’s a lot that goes in to that aside from their beliefs that they’re not being treated fairly. Now I’m really just not going to care about football. My Sundays are free,” said Oscar Moncibaez, U.S. Armed Forces veteran.
Moncibaez also agreed with the spirit of comments released Tuesday by Taya Kyle, widow of Chris Kyle of “American Sniper” fame, who claimed that the protests are now more about division and anger than unity.
“The NFL helped erase any kind of gender, ethnic or cultural background when everyone got together under one flag as fans. It is now causing division,” said Moncibaez.
Others understand the urge to speak out, but are confused by the approach the protests are taking.
“Soldiers went to war and died so that people can protest and stand for what they feel is right. This protest makes no sense because it’s not about the flag, which gives us freedom. It’s about the oppression they feel from society. I think they’re going about it the wrong way,” said Debie Fittro.
Some feel that the original intent of the protest has lost its focus, and what was originally intended as a statement on social inequality has now become a retort directed at President Trump, who recently expressed, with some foul language, that NFL players who protest during the national anthem should be fired.
“My personal feeling is that the recent protests are meant as a ‘thumbs down’ to the President. It’s morphing into something different. It also feels like the 60s with the civil rights movement and the 70s with the women’s movement — this is the movement we’ve got now. How far it goes only time will tell,” said Stephanie Smith.
There are some taking a stance somewhere in the middle, claiming both sides have valid points.
“It’s a question that really requires a lot of wisdom to answer. One of the things that has made this country great is that people are allowed to do what they want within boundaries,” said Isaac Gomez. “On the other hand, people have sacrificed so much in our history just to represent that flag. I’m not criticizing anybody, but I’m more inclined to say that some things should remain sacred and respected.”
Others say they are a courageous display in opposition of social injustice, and claim that NFL players are justified in taking a stand.
“To me, I think [players] should be able to do it. People think of it as disrespecting the flag, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about making a voice for those who are unheard,” said Juan Arreola Martinez, Porterville College student. Many players have opted to kneel instead of sit during the anthem. The use of the more respectful gesture indicates to Martinez that players are acknowledging those who have taken offense to the protests, while still making their statement.