I remember when I heard the news that some football players were taking a knee to protest during the national anthem. I could not believe it! I mean, what in the world could be so bad that these guys would feel the need to stand up right then and there? It seemed like a huge statement they were making, and I was curious why so many were taking part in it.
So I decided to do some research and try to understand why. It turns out that the answer is complicated and there’s not one easy answer. In general, the collective action has been a act of protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement – and to bring attention to police brutality and other forms of social injustices. This was especially poignant for many as the national anthem has been a symbol of patriotism and taking a knee has been seen as a sign of disrespect by many.
Now I have to admit that when I first heard about all of this, my initial reaction was intense. I was sure these athletes were being disrespectful and unpatriotic. I kept thinking that if the country is so bad, why not just leave it? But then I talked to some people who had more knowledge about the issue, and I realized that this was a little too simplistic. Leave it or not, the issue of social justice had to be addressed.
It was then that I started to really think about why so many NFL players were taking a knee during the national anthem, and what it meant for the larger discussion. After gathering all of this information, the conclusions were clear. By taking a knee during the national anthem, several NFL players were protesting the systematic oppression of people of color. This could be seen as sending a powerful message about the state of things in this country and the inequalities that still exist.
At this point I was starting to understand that while some may have seen the movement as disrespectful, the players that were taking a knee during the national anthem were actually sending a powerful message that they believed was necessary. So I started to look into the specifics of the issue.
I found that an estimated 20-30 NFL players took a knee during the 2020 season in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. According to Global Citizen, these players used their platform to draw attention to systemic oppression and racist police brutality. The magnitude of the gesture was felt by many, and it created a lot of conversation about where the US was headed and how we could move forward in a more positive direction.
The goal of the movement was to bring attention to the issue of police brutality, and to show support for those who have been impacted by this issue. This was especially important for many who felt that their voices needed to be heard. So, as players continued to kneel during the national anthem, it became clear that this action was an important part of the Black Lives Matter uprising.
But it was not just NFL players who were taking a knee. Players from other leagues like the NBA and WNBA also joined in the protests. The protests were serious, yet peaceful, resulting in the support of many others who may not have been NFL players. So while 20-30 players took a knee on the field, thousands are now taking a knee all across the US.
What has become increasingly clear is that taking a knee during the national anthem is so much more than just a gesture. It is a powerful statement that, even after all these years, systemic oppression and racism in this country needs to be addressed and overcome. While some may disagree with the gesture, it is undeniable that change is happening, and this moment in time will not soon be forgotten.