Since my original post regarding the NFL players using the National Anthem as a vehicle for peaceful, non-disruptive, First Amendment-protected protest, a counter-protest has gained some momentum.
That protest is in the form of fans boycotting the NFL. (Not watching or going to the games, not buying merchandise, etc.)
If you are one of those who are participating in this boycott, or support it, I have some thoughts for you.
First: The "NFL" didn't do this. Protesting them doesn't make much sense, because they didn't create this situation and didn't do anything to start it. Plus, what exactly is it you want them to do as a result of your protest? Fire players who use the First Amendment in a peaceful, non-disruptive, legal manner? I'm not so sure I want to live in a country that pushes that stance, do you?
Second: If you are protesting the NFL, I support your right to do that, 100%. You are an American citizen and you have rights laid out for you in the Constitution and its associated Amendments.
What I would like to ask is that you just be honest about your protest, like the NFL players are being honest about theirs.
They are protesting: RACIAL INEQUALITY.
They are protesting: THE RISE IN POLICE KILLING UNARMED BLACK PEOPLE.
That's their point. That's the stand they are making. They want to help change this systemic racism and stop the deaths it is causing.
What's your point? What stand are you making? What change would you like to see as a result of your protest?
I think those of you protesting the NFL are not being honest about it. You say things like "they hate the Flag!" and "Why do they hate America, it made them rich!" Those statements are nothing but useless cover words for the truth, a truth that you seem unwilling to come out and say.
None of these players hates the flag. And just because these men have made a lot of money as Americans, doesn't mean that racism is somehow not a massive problem in this country, one that is resulting regularly in the deaths of other Americans.
So I ask you to be honest about your protest, which seems like a reasonable request:
Be honest that you are not protesting the NFL, you are protesting certain NFL players.
Be honest that you say you love and support freedom, but not for people who bring up topics that are uncomfortable, like racial inequality.
Be honest that you say you love the Flag, the Anthem, the Constitution, but not when other people get to use them.
Be honest that you are mad at the NFL for "allowing" players to be full-fledged American citizens, rather than just possessions for your and my amusement. (That is what sports is, after all, isn't it?)
Be honest: You aren't protesting the NFL, you are protesting the notion that there still exists rampant racial inequality in America.
For whatever reason, you have a problem with the rest of us having a problem with that.
Why?
There is no ambiguity around what point the players are making, what stand they are taking, via their protest. It is crystal clear.
Those of you deciding to boycott the NFL? Not so clear. So please, do tell us what stand you are taking.
JReed Says...Be Honest.
Monday, October 2, 2017
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