“Those kids have every right to protest.”
– John Middlemas, 97-year-old WWII Veteran
I’ve given a lot of thought to the current divisive issue of players’ taking a knee during the National Anthem at NFL games. Many feel this is disrespecting the flag. I get it. And that may be what it looks like. But the intent behind this peaceful gesture for justice is to command respect for the flag and the National Anthem and what they are supposed to symbolize: the people and the values of our nation. This statement goes far beyond a piece of fabric.
The flag is supposed to represent ALL of us, not just the military. The military deserves our utmost respect, of course. My late father was a retired Brigadier General in the National Guard, and a WWII veteran of four years of active service. I could not be prouder or more grateful for his service, as well as that of my brother-in-law and every man and woman who has ever served in any branch of the service. But other “soldiers” deserve our respect too…parents, law enforcement, teachers, first responders, business owners, those who show respect for our country’s values and all people on a daily basis; people who are committed to growth and unity. That is respecting our flag. Saluting the flag for optics’ sake is only one brief snapshot. Living it is another story. Pledging allegiance to a flag no more insures respect for the nation than wearing a wedding band “proves” you are a good husband or wife.
Further, there are many ways to disrespect a flag: tolerating racism, defending hate groups, misogyny, lying, hypocrisy, name-calling, cheating on taxes, bullying, obstructing justice, fraud, and more. There is a lot of fake patriotism. Yes, there are even some in the military who disrespect the flag.
You cannot demand respect. You must earn it. You can command it by being a leader. Demanding blind loyalty to a flag does not command respect or support freedom. Nazi Germany taught us that. Our great military is our strong defense. We also need a strong offense through great leadership. How about our leader taking this moment to listen to those who are peacefully protesting? How about if we begin a real conversation in this country and set up task forces to create collaboration rather than condemning those who dare to stand up or kneel down to draw attention to a worthy cause?
As a native Southerner, this all frankly reminds of the Old South’s Plantation mentality when blacks were called”uppity” for refusing to be deferential. Are people of color, football players or creative artists or whoever, really supposed to accept that their feelings don’t count, and just shut up and play, perform, and “do as you’re told” when so much inequality rages on? “Yessuh, Massuh?” Really? That’s not the American way! Social reform is messy. It is uncomfortable. It nearly always infuriates and offends before it is respected and accepted. The same outrage and fear of losing homeostasis occurred when a little woman named Rosa refused to keep quiet and move to the back of the bus “where she belonged.” Thank God Anita Hill spoke up and drew attention to sexual harassment, and Harvey Milk raised his first sign and voice, and that the Suffragettes raised their voices and signs and marched, just to name a few brave American agents of change.
I understand wanting neutrality at a sports arena, or on a stage of any kind, but when injustice swells to a boiling point, voices must be heard wherever and whenever they can be. Why not take this opportunity to dignify good, hardworking citizens and listen to their suggestions and requests to make America greater? Be grateful these courageous souls care enough to risk hatred, ridicule and unemployment to better our country.
As this issue continues to play out during the football season, notice the processing of feelings and expressions: look at the NFL players, coaches and owners. Some kneel and put their hand over their heart while singing along with the National Anthem. Some lock arms and stand, some lock arms and kneel. Some simply kneel. Blacks, white, mixed men …all struggling (perhaps) with their feelings and expression of them. One stood alone while all his teammates stayed in the tunnel. He later apologized for his actions. Some are flip flopping, obviously conflicted.
Let’s all take a deep breath and respect the flag with our daily actions by living in integrity and the values this country was founded upon: “..with liberty and justice for ALL.”
“Proud to take a knee, and to stand tall against social injustice.”
Bill Russell, NBA Legend
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient