Don T Stand Up For The National Anthem Analysis

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My topic is Don’t Stand Up For the National Anthem. The slogan that is paired with it is the Pledge of Institutionalization; the dramatic realization that the murky history of America still lurks within the soil of the country. Not standing for the national anthem is a form of freedom of speech, and the fact that the centerpiece of this topic, Colin Kaepernick has shed light on the original national anthem; particularly the third verse glorifies slavery and the institution of freedom. I chose this topic to kneel with Kaepernick for sacrificing his career to get whiteballed by the NFL for a greater cause; he brought to the forefront the issue America tried concealing. This covers how corrupt the national anthem, the creators of it, and the “United” …show more content…

When Kaepernick began receiving heat from people ranging from social media to the current figure in the White House, Kaepernick went on record in saying, “I’m 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 pros in Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem are the U.S. failing to perpetuate the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. A person of Colin Kaepernick’s stature protesting the national anthem creates attention and generates conversation, and not standing is a legal form of protest and a peaceful way of doing so. While the cons are refusing to stand is disrespectful towards the flag and the armed forces, it’s an ineffective and counterproductive way for promoting a cause, and it angers many and creates division within the country. It’s true the national anthem pays homage to those in the armed forces, but that is a small detail to the main idea of what national anthem represents. The armed forces do protect us from foreigners attacking us from the outside, but our own country is attacking people of color, from within. Many veterans have shown support by posting on social media under the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick, 35 veterans signing a letter stating “Far from disrespecting our troops, there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech.” And Michael Sands, a Green Beret who is the son of a WWII veteran who said, “It is PRECISELY for men like Kaepernick we’re willing to serve, want to respect the American flag? Then respect the ideals for which it stands.” It is distasteful

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