By: Sydney D All across the country football players from the NFL, along with coaches and even some singers were kneeling either before or during the National Anthem. Some even taking it as far as staying in the locker rooms. If this is making you think of the infamous Colin kaepernick it’s because he technically started the “Take A Knee” movement as a way to protest police brutality towards minorities. Although this time, the meaning behind kneeling is- wait what is it? Is it still police brutality or all inequalities? Is it retaliation to Trump or standing with Kaepernick (Who was blackballed from the sport? Protesting for what the Flag is supposed represent or is it anti-military? Everyone has said something different, whether supporting “#TakeAKnee” or not. So that brings only two questions that matter: What is Take a knee actually about? To kneel or not to kneel? (That is the question. Sorry, had too!) Take a knee Movement: Then and Now
2016
2017
In 2016, when kaepernick took a knee for the first time, the protest was exclusively about the police brutality against minorities. This isn’t the case in the 2017 version of the protest being that the majority outcry is about freedom of speech. Which is perfectly fine in retrospect, but then again, it takes away from the original purpose of the protest. I am not saying that restablishing and protecting your freedom of speech is bad, nor am I saying that it isn’t in need of at the moment. But we spent all weekend talking about whether or not to kneel, and when to do so. Do you know what else happened this pass weekend? Puerto Rico has no water or power and the United States and North Korea are just a few comebacks away from a nuclear war; Just to name some concerning events. This has been a common occurrence, President Trump does something “Trump” like, causing millions of Americans to stop making changes that matter (bringing an end to police brutality, bettering health care, crumbling foreign affairs, etc), but urging them to protest for something that we already have, such as freedom of speech. How many articles over the nearly passed healthcare bill were halted because every news outlet had to report another Trump inspired protest? How many news anchors were talking to football stars instead of covering the recent development in the UN? Nothing against football players, they play an important role as role models for america's youth, and America’s pastime, but they weren’t talking about programs, charities, or upcoming games that they would be involved in, no, they were talking about another moronic phenomenon that Trump uttered in attempt to help, but only stirred trouble. So whether you kneel or not; try to focus on the issues that are currently important, not what we were automatically granted with our bill of rights.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Sydney
A 18-year old who spends most of my time reading and taking photos. Most of what I write here is just things that I personally hope is interesting, important, or at the very least funny. Archives
October 2018
Categories
All
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |