First Amendment Pros And Cons

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In recent news, Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players have experienced scrutiny by the government, media, and the public because they stand in solidarity against the oppression of people of color relating to police brutality against young black males. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) allows NFL players have the right to exercise their First Amendment freedom of speech, expression, and protest in support of people of color who are being oppressed even though the discrimination of Colin Kaepernick led to the league discard him. On the other hand, playing devil’s advocate, the First Amendment also supports the beliefs of their being a superior power catering to those of a superior race. Criticisms from Donald Trump and other Americans …show more content…

Agency is the capacity of individuals to act independently by making their own free choices based on the own will. However, NFL player’s First Amendment rights are being fringed upon because of the slander remarks of Donald Trump and his administration towards the players and kneel/sit during the national anthem. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin answers in an interview with ABC that president Donald Trump should communicate with the owners to implicate a rule that all players must stand during the national anthem to respect the people who have fought and died for our country. Steven Mnuchin portrays his point of view that NFL players can exercise their First Amendment, but off the field on their own time[4]. Harmoniously, Trump and Mnuchin agree the players can only have their First Amendment right off the field and should obey all rules and regulations placed by the NFL owners. The Source’s article, WashU Expert: NFL protests are free speech, but not protected by First Amendment, explains the legal aspect of why NFL players do not have constitutional rights in the league. Greg Margarian, professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis, explains: “The NFL players’ protests around the National Anthem remind us that the First Amendment applies, as a matter of law, only to government action. Employees of private companies do not have constitutional rights against their …show more content…

NFL is a form of modern day slavery. There are no black owners, but majority of the league is black. Prime, hyped psychical abilities are what recruiting scout’s search for. The place black people against each other, having no regards for their physical safety because players were taught to go for devastating blows on the other team. The enforcement of punishment against speaking out is may lead to the termination of one’s career as a professional athlete. The quarterbacks, leaders/face of the team, are predominately white. As discussed in class, black children were raised with the mentality the in order to get an into higher education and become successful in life is to play sports. Going to school and being educated are two different aspects of education that athletes have exposure to. Student-athletes have no authority over their lives because other people are running it for them. The white owners receive all the praise for the success of their team. The NFL combine is a modern day auction for black, athletic bodies. The value of their importance decreases when injured. Injustice started before the child is born. Having limited resources and support provided by their parent(s) reflects in the school system. People of color are placed at a low standard because of the stereotypes surrounding life as a person of color. Discriminations such as the

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