The anthem really has been something the younger generation treats as a standard procedure. Not much attention was payed to our nation's anthem until a sports star decided not to stand for it. At first it went unnoticed for a few games, and then it was assumed to be an injury or an accident. Then he was asked why he had not been standing for two straight games. His response was simple, he was protesting the oppression of people of color especially with regards to police brutality.This immediately polarized the nation and a huge debate broke out across the country.
For many, this demonstration was very disrespectful. It was disrespectful to our values, disrespectful to our history, and above all disrespectful to the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our civil liberties. However, during all the debate and all of the criticism, the quote I remember most was from a unanimous servicemen. He or she was asked how they felt about the protest, and the response was unique. They said they “were more worried about those who didn’t truly understand what he was sacrificing for”, meaning that all of those who were of the opinion that Kaepernick shouldn’t have spoken up, didn't understand a fundamental part of American society. Free speech, which is exactly what Kaepernick exercised thanks to the years of sacrifice .
In my speech I want to analyze the civicness of the Kaepernick protest with reference to the National Anthem, and weigh the results of this current event.
Photo courtesy of The St. Louis American
I like how you incorporated that the anthem's meaning is more of a standard procedure for students because that is very true. I remember a few students back in high school wouldn't stand for the pledge of allegiance in the morning because 'they were too tired' which was bothersome. It's interesting that Kaepernick originally received a lot of backlash until Americans took a step back to actually realize what he wasn't standing for. I also enjoy how your artifact is sports related just like your passion blog!
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a really interesting topic. I like how you talked about the personal experience with the national anthem (which may be a good hook into your speech) and how you applied the national anthem and its meaning into society. It sounds like you have this well thought out and I like how it is similar to your passion blog! I feel like you will have a lot to talk about with this topic as far as the civic aspects of the kneeling itself and the viewpoints of other citizens and the reaction to it then and now.
ReplyDeleteI really like how took a passion of yours, sports, and found something to talk about in your speech. I like how you highlight the fact that people find saying the pledge and singing the anthem seems more like a habit than truly meaning what is being done. I think it's interesting and look forward to hearing your speech!
ReplyDeleteHi Liam, as I read your post, I was a little confused as to whether your civic artifact was going to be the Anthem itself, or the "taking a knee" demonstration during the Anthem. (I'm thinking it's the latter, not the former, right?)
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, it seems like a timely piece to discuss. I'd encourage you to focus your analysis not so much getting into the "results" of Kaepernick's kneeling, but rather why this act could be seen as "civic" in nature and what civic commonplaces this act relies on, even if some view it as defiant.
Hope this helps!