December 7th, 2017
Written by - Daania Tahir '19
On October 13th, 2017 The Diversity Fellows held a brilliant chapel, to discuss the extremely prevalent, and divisive, issue of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.
Here are key ideas, and quotes from my peers that I found thought-provoking and essential:
There are two sides to the issue,
1. Kneeling is a peaceful protest, a protest against the racism that is drowning our country, it's people, and it's values. A protest against the glaring issue of police brutality that has taken too many lives. "Everyone in the land of the free, is not free". The right assemble is a right that soldiers fought for, and thus kneeling is simply upholding that right. The intention is not the disrespect the army.
2. Kneeling is disrespectful to current and former service members and the nations values. Many are personally attacked by the refusal to stand with a hand on the heart as their virtues are being disregarded. Kneeling is not a productive or effective form of protest, as it doesn't address the real problem. Kneeling undermines the patriotic spirit of the NFL, undermining their respect.
Here is the video that was shown:
During the group discussions, I wrote down some quotes from my classmates. I have their permission, however I will leave them anonymous
"At first, I thought it was disrespectful, but then I talked to people and began to really support the issue"
"Nothing changes if we don't talk about it, so how do we as a next generation do better"
"Sometimes, you need people something controversial to start a conversation"
"The form of protest is the most powerful thing"
"Kneeling to a cause is a universal sign of respect. It's honoring both service men and the lives lost to police brutality"
"Football is an American sport, what a better way to bring attention to an issue"
"It's possible to be privileged and still oppressed"
"Maybe kneeling doesn't have a place in football, but it has a place in conversations"
"All the men that are kneeling are American"
"Everybody has the right to feel however they feel"
"Our view of patriotism has been skewed"
"There can be controversy in a protest if the flag is involved"
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