Athletes Kneeling During Anthem is Really Not about the Flag

Here’s a thought: instead of worshiping the flag, let’s honor the constitution that guarantees freedom of political speech (even at ball games). Instead of insisting people stand for a song (which is not in the constitution) let’s try to listen to the people who are going to such great lengths and taking personal risks to get us to understand and care about the injustices suffered by people of color in this country. Instead of demonizing those who are taking a stand (or a knee as it were) in protest of police brutality, maybe we could hear them and join them in addressing systemic racism in this country. Demonizing Black athletes for reminding us of racism is part of the racist system they are addressing. If you defended the confederate flag and statues (symbols of treason) then your issue isn’t with the flag, its with people of color claiming their agency and using their notoriety to influence change. Red, white, and blue are not the colors that have you worked up.