23 Should We Be Forced to Stand for the National Anthem? (III)

The National Anthem is a cornerstone in almost every sporting event. Everyone knows what to do when they here those notes. You stand at attention to the flag with your right hand over your heart, and your left usually behind your back. You learn this social norm very early on in life. The article This is why you stand for the National Anthem explains the reasons we do this, and why it is so important. The main point made was that if you do not stand for the National Anthem then you are not patriotic. The author describes what being an American is, in an interesting way. He says “America is a house, and Americans are family. Like most homes and most families, there is a high degree of dysfunction and it’s often a giant mess of noise, drama, action, love and stupidity.” I agree with this statement, I think Colin Kaepernick does too.He decided not to stand, not because he was being unpatriotic, many can say his actions were very patriotic. He used his rights in the way he felt necessary to get a message across.

Being patriotic is more than standing during a song. It is about standing up for something you believe in. In the article Why Colin Kaepernick was right not to stand for the national anthem  it explains that Kaepernick was right to not stand for the National Anthem, because he was using his rights to make a stand. The article says he was standing up against racism and more specifically on how African Americans are treated unequally. He told a stand for what he thought was right. I personally believe that being patriot means standing for the Anthem, and participating in the celebrations of our Country. I believe that sitting for the Anthem is wrong. We do this mainly to show respect for those who have fought for our Country. I understand what Kaepernick is trying to do, but I don’t believe this is the best way. Also neither article said one of the very important facts made him sit during the Anthem. One of his main reasons of sitting was the fact that organizations like the NFL only play it because they are now paid to. Kaepernick learned that as well and took a stand. I understand the racism going on in this country. I know it is a problem and that it needs to be fixed. People don’t understand that this whole controversy was about more than racism. Most media outlets took the racism and ran with it. No one acknowledged the other issue he was trying to make public. Kaepernick did what he did, and I am sure he is happy with his decision, I like what he did. It shows that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, but when the Anthem plays i’ll stand.