What do you think of when you hear the Star-Spangled Banner? Fireworks? Parades? Football? Ramparts? Recently, the silent acts of some professional athletes have led to scrutiny of the custom of playing the national anthem before major league sporting events. Journalist Zack Beauchamp explores the history of the practice in this September 2016 essay on Vox.com.
Read it here: Beauchamp, “’Kaepernick didn’t bring politics into sports. The NFL did that by playing the anthem”
- Is Beauchamp arguing that the national anthem shouldn’t be played before major league sporting events in the US or is he making a different point? What is his main argument? Where does he state it most clearly? Point to specific passages to support your response.
- Beauchamp relies on a number of sources to be his They Say. Using the guidelines in Chapter 3 of your text, examine how Beauchamp introduces and discusses quotations. How well does he frame them? Explain why you think so.
- Beauchamp begins his essay by mentioning a recent controversy involving NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to not stand up for the national anthem before a game. Beauchamp soon transitions, however, to an examination of the historical connection between the national anthem and sporting events. How does he relate the Kaepernick incident to his main argument? Do you think he ties the two together effectively in this essay? Why or why not?
- After explaining how we came to play the national anthem before major sports events in the United States, Beauchamp asserts that the practice doesn’t actually honor the nation “in any meaningful sense.” Think about the last few times you (or the people around you) heard the Star-Spangled Banner, either in person or on TV. Did you sing along? Did you pause and reflect on your patriotic feelings? Did it remind you of certain histories, glorious or otherwise? Does your own behavior and what you observe around you confirm Beauchamp’s assertion? refute it? Do you agree with the assertion? Why or why not?
- It’s very likely that before reading Beauchamp’s essay, you had never questioned the playing of the national anthem before sporting events but not before plays, concerts, or movies; you may not have known that sporting events in other countries rarely open with their national anthem. Knowing more about the history of the practice, what do you think? Should the anthem be played at more kinds of events, or should the practice be restricted to only certain special occasions? When and where should the national anthem be played? Does it matter who or how many people are present? What factors influence your decision? Write an essay responding to these questions and detailing your reasons for your position.
They Say I Blog 
In general, this article argues that playing the National Anthem at American sporting events is irrelevant and, in fact, not normal in comparison to other countries- it even has turned political. It can be seen as unnecessary and be used for promotion rather than patriotism. This article cuts deeper into this argument using an example from an NFL player who refuses to stand like the rest of his team, opponents, and everyone in the stadium because he feels the flag and National Anthem is a symbol of oppression and how he is justified in not supporting this tradition. Beauchamp writes, “ Playing the National Anthem isn’t an honor for the nation in any meaningful sense; it’s turning ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ into an advertising jingle.” He is suggesting that we not say the National Anthem to begin national sporting events.
From my perspective, Beauchamp is wrong because standing in front of our flag saying our National Anthem is a privilege. Playing the National Anthem before sporting events is an opportunity we have to honor our country and those who fought and are fighting to keep us safe and free. It is beyond me how any American can selfishly turn this around to make it about themselves. We are paying respect to our country each and every time we look at those fifty stars and thirteen stripes, proclaiming “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Although Beauchamp may say that playing the National Anthem before sporting events is irrelevant, I stand to believe that professing our love and support for our country will never be irrelevant. Seeing as the tradition began at a baseball World Series in 1918 during WWI to show our patriotism, I conclude that there is nothing offensive or wrong with the tradition of honoring our country with the playing of the National Anthem to begin sporting events.
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America has made it traditional to play the national anthem before sports events since 1916, officially in 1931, according to Beauchamp. Beauchamp disputes the reason behind the national anthem being played before sports events. He argues that playing the national anthem before a sporting event is not showing any form of patriotism, but has become an “advertising jingle.” Beauchamp uses professional athlete Kaepernick as an example in his article. Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem, because he says, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” What he fails to realize it the national anthem is patriotic and represent America’s freedom.
Beauchamp suggest that there is no reason to play the national anthem before sports events. He believes that the national anthem is utilized for a profit. In relation to other countries he comments on the idea that other countries do not participate in their own particular anthem. With that being said, America has fought many wars and as a contribution to the men fighting for Americas freedom, “The Star Spangled Banner” was implemented into sporting events as a show of patriotism and solidarity among all Americans.
In conclusion, Kaepernick has the right to express is feelings about the unfortunate circumstances that occur in our country which makes some people of color feel disengaged from our country, but his approach is neither beneficial, nor appropriate for adolescences growing up in our country and understanding what the national anthem truly means. Also, not having the national anthem played at sporting events will break the tradition that has been instilled upon Americans for many decades.
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After reading this article, there is no doubt that the writer, Zack Beauchamp, supported the point that the United States national anthem should not be played before domestic sport events in the United Sates. Beauchamp expressed his dissatisfaction by responding to the claim of some people that it is an act of unpatriotic to disrespect the American flag; he stated that ‘it’s actually not normal, internationally speaking, to play national anthem before a domestics sporting event’. He supported his view by comparing US with other countries in the world that do not play their national anthem before domestic sport events. He dismisses the fact that playing the US national anthem before a domestic sporting event is a way of showing loyalty and respect to the country. Beauchamp drew an example from an event when a NFL player ( Colin Kaepernick) refuses to stand when US national anthem was being played prior to the start of the game.
I totally disagree with Beauchamp on the point that it is not normal to play the national anthem before sporting events in the United States because other countries in the world do not do it. I don’t believe that US should use other countries in the world as their standard when it comes to respecting their country. Also, I do not believe that ‘non Americans find all the patriotic spectacle in American sports baffling’. Honestly speaking, there are so many countries in the world that are actually looking up to America in various ways. I am a Nigerian by birth and an American by naturalization, one of the things that I love most about US is their patriotism to the flag (the star spangle banner), Beauchamp’s notion that ‘Americans aren’t more patriotic than foreigners’ is not totally true. It is normal to find citizen of a particular country to be unpatriotic, but that does not mean that the whole country is unpatriotic; but I can confidently say that American are more patriotic than most other countries in the world.
Knowing the history behind the star spangle banner is very touching, and I believe it is enough reason to give honor and respect to this great nation. If playing the National anthem at a sport event is one of the ways to remembering those who have fought and laid down their lives to keep Americans safe, why does it have to stop because of the feeling of an individual. The families of those who laid down their lives for this country deserve the honor.
Moreover, no country is perfect. Everyone living in the US states understands that race is one of the big issues facing this country. There are people who believe that everyone is creation equal, and there are people who believe that some set of people are better than the other. Even though discrimination is against the law in the US, it is very obvious that its existence has not been eradicated. However, we can ask ourselves one question, is everybody in the US racist? The answer is no; we can not make a general conclusion that a particular group is racist. Disrespecting the national anthem based on the notion that certain group of people are being treated unfairly in my opinion is not the right way to act. I believe there are so many other ways available to an individual to make his feeling known rather hurting everyone including the family of the patriotic individuals who have died fighting for the safety of this great country.
In conclusion, I give credit to Kaepernick for standing up for his people. Honestly, it is heartbroken to think about how black people and people of color are been oppressed in this country. I think Kaepernick should have choose another way to exhibit his dissatisfaction, rather that taking it out on what is meant to be the symbol of the entire country.
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Colin should protest off the field. I’m okay with him protesting but don’t bring into the NFL. There is already enough drama in professional sports now, we don’t need to add more. All i’m saying is leave the protesting off the field.
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I am very intrigued by the information I did not know about the national anthem: that it was not “official” until 1931, that its tune is a “drinking song.” A drinking song? Really?
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I agree with Zach in that its kind of lost its relevance at sports events. I also feel like, when is it ever wrong to sing the National Anthem? Just because we don’t do it for the same reason that we started with, it still brings a feeling of freedom and pride, standing for what it means to be an American citizen.
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Yes i think the national anthem should be played at more events more than sport wise. Because everyone in anything they do should always remember theres people out there fighting for us and we should be grateful and respect that. The national anthem should be played anywhere at almost every event just to show our respect to the people that fight for us. No it should not matter how many people are there in the present moment because everyones being fought for so everyone deserves the right to be there when is being played.
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I am offended by the critics of Colin Kaepernick and others who didn’t stand during the national anthem. To say that the act is unpatriotic is unpatriotic. Primarily for the reason American citizens have the right to protest and freedom of speech. It is appalling that some Americans are so outraged at some people for not standing during the national anthem but turn a blind eye to the injustices that is going on in our country. Especially considering how many Americans are either on their phones or talking during the anthem and they are not chastised as harshly or not at all. Playing the anthem is not a mandated thing at sporting events as the article says so why should people be judged so harshly for not standing for it. This behavior does not make you unpatriotic, it’s actually a very patriotic act because you are excercising your right to free speech.
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It is plain and simple: if you live in the United States then you participate in the National Anthem. By this I do not mean that you have to sing it and whatnot but be respectful. This whole “black lives matter” protest is nonsense because there have been altercations between black cops and white people but it is not publicized all over the news. If you do not want to respect the National Anthem then get out of America.
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I agree and disagree with Sheena. She makes a strong point when she mentions that people are on their phone or talking during the national anthem and aren’t judged for doing so. But I disagree with the fact that people who say that Colin Kaepernick’s actions are unpatriotic are unpatriotic. When the article mentions that individuals referred to Kaepernick’s actions as making him seem, “unpatriotic, anti-American, and ungrateful to a country that allowed him to succeed” it is entirely true. The National Anthem is intended to honor military personnel who have risked their lives ensuring the safety of our country. By kneeling during this, it demonstrates that Kaepernick doesn’t care about these individuals sacrifice for his personal freedom. It is disrespectful, and while others may talk during the national anthem, they are not intentionally disregarding the anthem as whole.
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I completely agree with Carolina Scobee. Although there may be problems in America and things people such as Colin Kaepernick may not agree with, that doesn’t mean that he should disrespect the people who gave their lives so he could play football. Without the brave men and women who fight for the United States everyday, Colin Kaepernick would not be a multi million dollar NFL quarterback. He may disagree with things happening in our society, but that does not mean he should convey his concerns by disrespecting those who have fought for, are fighting for, and died for his and our freedom. In the article it says, “It is not mandated to play the national anthem before sporting events” and it shouldn’t have to be. Everyone should be grateful for those who fight for our country. People can demonstrate their freedom of speech as much as they would like, but be tasteful. Colin is not breaking any laws or rules, he is just being disrespectful, distasteful, and ungrateful. If Kaepernick wants to make a difference then he should do that instead of generating publicity.
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I strongly agree to all of the responses to Beauchamp’s article. I completely understand that Kaepernick has the opportunity to protest for what he believes is right, however; I believe he is taking a wrong approach to addressing it. I agree with the other bloggers when they express that they disagree with Beauchamp who thinks it is not normal to play the national anthem before sporting events. I believe that it should be played before all events to honor and show respect to the people who risk their lives every day for our country. Soldiers put everything they have on the line for the betterment of the country; standing up and showing gratitude for the veterans is the least us Americans can do to repay them.
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I agree with what many of the responders said, including Caroline and Sam. The national anthem is much more than a song that Americans can stand for, it is meant to represent and support the individuals that have gone out of their way in order to protect this beloved country. This is slightly different than the position of the author, as it seems that he is indifferent to the act of standing to the national anthem, or even the playing of the national anthem at all in sporting events. I think this thought is out of line however. Although some professional athletes may use it as their pushing off point for political movements, it means so much to the American population and that should not be taken away or restricted in any way. I do not have a problem with these athletes making stances against politics, but don’t disrespect the people that protect this right in the process.
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After reading this article it’s very clear that the author, Beauchamp, sees the national anthem as just a “song that is played before games” as he has said in his article. This leads to his argument, which is that the national anthem being sang or played before sporting events should not happen. As shown all throughout his article he gives vital points as to how the national anthem being played before sporting events is creating many problems. The major problem being in the news very frequently now is that Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is taking a knee instead of standing for the national anthem. In Beauchamp’s eyes, this should not be a problem because of the fact that the national anthem shouldn’t even be played before games. In my opinion, I like that the national anthem is played before games because it brings the people of the United States together. I’m not saying that I don’t agree with what Kaepernick is trying to do because I do agree with his movement that he is creating but, the national anthem has been one of the symbols of the United States since 1916. It is one thing that no matter who you are or what you stand for as an American, all people can come together to give back to the people that gave us the opportunity to do the great things that we do in our everyday life. So yes, I will say that the country is not perfect and there are things that need to be changed but, we should all come together and acknowledge one of the two main symbols of the United States which are the national anthem and the American Flag.
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The points are very true of what Maggie and Abiodun are saying. It is a privilege to be able to say the national anthem before our sporting events. I strongly disagree with what Beauchamp is saying in this article. Although not many other countries do this before sporting events why does that mean what we do differently is weird. Every country shows patriotism differently. The real reason we play the national anthem before sporting events is because win or lose we are still reminded at the end of the day that we live in a great country where are military fights for us to be safe in our borders. The least we can do is stand and sing our national anthem because if it wasn’t for our military then we wouldn’t be having the freedom we have today to stand for what we believe in. Maggie in her article is completely right in saying that Beauchamp is wrong in saying that sing the national anthem is irrelevant because truly the national anthem will never be irrelevant. A little thing such as singing the national anthem before sporting events goes a long way for our military. People need to stop being selfish and show that you are supporting our country and military.
In conclusion, I believe the points that Maggie and Abiodun bring up are very true and that what Beauchamp is saying is very untrue. The national anthem is not a waste of time or irrelevant. It a symbol and a reminder that we live safely in this country because of our military. The reason people can sit safely and watch a football game on a Sunday is because of our military. The least we can do is to stand and sing our national anthem.
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After reading the article the author Zack Beauchamp clearly takes the side of not playing the national anthem at sporting events. Zack goes on to say how unnecessary it is. He believes the only reason the NFL does it is for money. What is more striking to him it seems is the fact that Kaepernick is so ridiculed for his choice to not stand. Zach thinks you should not feel the need to stand for the national anthem at sporting events because he believes it to be unnecessary. I agree with maggie on the stance that the national anthem is much more than just a song and it is a way for us to show our appreciation for the sacrifice others have made so we can continue life as we know it. The ability to turn it around about yourself is selfish and although you have the right to protest in the greatest country on earth there are better ways to go about it.
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Author Zack Beauchamp’s article is about his views on the Colin Kaepernick situation, and whether or not it is right of the quarterback to take a knee during the national anthem before each game. But instead of specifically talking about his own opinion the entire time, Beauchamp uses the history of the national anthem to support his argument. He first mentions how the “Star-Spangled Banner” originated right before the start of World War I and how it carried right into sporting events, beginning with the 1918 World Series. World War II came years later, and this was the point where “the national anthem became a staple of every game.” Why? Because the two World Wars “were massive military undertakings, which required enormous mobilization of civilians to support the war effort,” and the Star-Spangled Banner is what resonated patriotism within the American people to help support the military during these trying times. Beauchamp goes on to say that the national anthem is an “advertisement for NFL football,” and that the anthem shouldn’t even be played in the first place, because it’s not played for the right reasons.
I disagree with Beauchamp, and with what Kaepernick is doing. First off, I completely agree with Abiodun’s comment about how knowing the anthem’s history is “enough reason to give honor and respect to this great nation.” Beauchamp put a lot of time and effort into this article, and the fact that people don’t want to stand for an anthem that single-handedly symbolizes America and its history is a shame. Secondly, I disagree with Sheena, because the flag that Kaepernick is kneeling towards is the flag that gives him the right to kneel in the first place. Yes, he technically has the right to kneel because of “Freedom of Speech” and what not, but protest in a more respectful way. America gives him the right to protest, and he is disrespecting that right. It’s contradictory to the whole idea of what he is trying to do in the first place.
Overall, I believe that everyone should stand for the national anthem because it is the song that makes America stand out. No other country plays their anthem before sporting events, so America is unique in doing so. I am not blind to the fact that there are problems in today’s society, but to protest on a national stage in the manner in which Kaepernick is doing so is not right. By all means, he has the right to protest, and with the media coverage that NFL plays get, he could have done so in many different ways. But kneeling to the flag is disrespectful to the country that Colin Kaepernick lives in, and he is disrespecting all of the citizens and military members and government officials who stand and live by the flag every day.
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I must respectfully disagree with Sheena’s response to Beauchamp’s article. While I must acknowledge that Sheena rightfully states that people are “exercising [the] right to free speech”, it is our obligation as Americans to support all of the men and women who died before us in wars to fight for our freedom. I firmly believe that playing the Star-Spangled Banner is a tradition which should last as long as America remains a country. Future generations should understand that people worked extremely hard to build this country that they live in and influence. The fact that soldiers sacrificed their lives for the wellbeing of others serves as motivating factor to keep America united and strong as a unit. Kaepernick does in fact have the right to express his beliefs, but I believe it is morally unjust to do so in such a public manner. Ultimately, Kaepernick would not have the opportunity to play in the NFL, earn money, and be successful without the Americans who fought in war for this country and became the basis of the national anthem.
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Though I will concede that Sheena is accurate in saying that we have the right to exercise our freedom of speech, I respectfully disagree with her opinion that not standing for the national anthem is not unpatriotic. Kaepernick chose to attack a national symbol of the freedoms that our country is privileged to have. While Beauchamp states that “there was no major social need to weave militarism” into everyday life post-war, that certainly does not invite us to forget the sacrifices that soldiers make and are currently making so that fans and players alike have the privilege to enjoy sports event. And while Beauchamp cites that “you don’t hear ‘God Save the Queen’ before English Premier League matches” as a reason for why we should not play the national anthem, since when has our country ever decided to conform to the societal norms of other countries? The United States of America was created to escape British oppression, and the patriotism that spawned a new country 240 years ago has every right to be proudly worn on the sleeve of every American. Whether or not Kaepernick agrees standing for the national anthem, he is certainly enjoying the privileges that it stands for along with the millions of other Americans who love the sport that he so dearly loves too.
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In the article “Kaepernick didn’t bring politics into sports. The NFL did that by playing the anthem” by Zack Beauchamp, the author asserts that the playing of the national anthem is nothing more than “a marketing tool” for the respective league that plays it. He goes further to assert that “patriotism in professional sports isn’t actually about patriotism” and brings that even further by saying “it’s turning ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ into an advertising jingle.” In other words, the author believes that the NFL amongst other sports leagues, only play the national anthem in order to draw more people to their sport, thus enhancing their monetary gain. The author calls on this historical background of the anthem’s playing to further enforce that the playing of the anthem is all about politics and not American pride. The author references that the first time the anthem was played in a sports game, was during WWI because the government needed support from its people in order to finance the war. He uses this point to show that current leagues only use it as a marketing tool because there is no other purpose for it, in his eyes. In conclusion, this author believes that the only reason that leagues play the anthem is for politics and as a marketing tool to gain the most amount of customers.
I whole-heartedly disagree with the points that this author is making. I believe that the playing of the national anthem is a point of pride for many Americans. From my perspective, the anthem is played at sports games amongst other places, in order to call respect to those who have died fighting for the country and to honor the people who made it possible to be able to attend the current sports event. Beauchamp’s point of other nations don’t play their anthems so why should we seems like a stretch. I believe that as a whole, we should not follow what other countries do. Playing the anthem before sports events is a tradition ingrained in our culture and why should we change it just because other people don’t do it to. In conclusion, I view the National Anthem as a paying of respects to the country’s past soldiers and a reminder that not everything is guaranteed, somebody had to die in order for me to attend whichever event I am at and they deserve to be respected. The playing of the anthem is so much more than a simple “marketing tool.”
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In journalist Zach Beauchamp’s article “Keapernick didn’t bring politics into sports. The NFL did that by playing the National Anthem,” he argues that although there has been outrage over the actions of San Francisco 49ers player, Colin Kaepernick, there is no reason to place blame on the quarterback. At the start of the season, Kaepernick started to kneel during the national anthem in order to protest injustice in America, which the author believes is a valid action. According to Beauchamp, critics have no right to be upset about Kaepernick’s protest because the National Anthem is only used in sports culture so that big businesses like the NFL can use the idea of patriotism for their own gain of publicity and to make more money. He points out that the use of the National Anthem at sporting events was originally to encourage people to support the troops fighting in World Wars’ I and II or maybe even join the military, but that at this point in time it is essentially useless, saying “the idea that [Kaepernick] should have to stand, or even listen to the National Anthem at all, is much stranger than most Americans think it is,” (Beauchamp). In the author’s eyes, Kaepernick’s actions are completely defendable and the NFL is to blame for the political outrage over the importance of the National Anthem.
In my opinion, the author’s view of the situation at hand is completely absurd. Not only are Colin Kaepernick’s actions inexcusable, they are also extremely disrespectful. While the author views the National Anthem as a scheme for sports leagues to gain both popularity and money, it is my firm belief that we play the National Anthem at sporting events in order to show respect to those in our armed forces. We stand so that we may honor all those that we have lost and all those who have fought or are still fighting for our rights as American citizens. I would not mind if Kaepernick stood up for what he believes in, but I am upset that he is disrespecting the people who made this very action possible. In conclusion, I completely disagree with both the ideas that Beauchamp presents in his article and Kaepernick’s protest of the Anthem.
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I agree with Adbiodun Omiyale who claims that even though America is not perfect in the culture and treatment of certain groups, it does not mean that we get to disrespect such a symbol as the national anthem. It stands for the freedom of our nation and as a sign of respect to all those that have fought and died for that freedom. It is not right to use this symbol as one of protest. While I do think that Kaepernick has the Constitutional right to protest the treatment of African Americans, I agree with Omiyale that he has done so in the wrong setting. I also appreciate Omiyale’s unique insight as a naturalized Nigerian immigrant, explaining that the playing of the national anthem is not so weird to non-Americans and that many countries actually look up to the patriotism expressed by American citizens every day. In the article, Beauchamp also argues that no other country plays their national anthem before a sports game as a way of saying that it does not belong in the sports world, but that is not true. In the NHL, the Canadian national anthem is played before the games held in Canada and anytime a Canadian team plays in America. Even if it was true that no other country does it, I agree with Omiyale’s argument that the US should not use other countries as its standard for the patriotism displayed. This is America. Since when do we follow what other countries do? America is a country rich in history and traditions, and the playing of the national anthem is one of those traditions. As such, it should be treated with respect and not disdain. Kneeling during the national anthem is disrespectful and not the correct setting for a protest.
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I do not agree with Sheena and think it is ignorant of her to generalize about Colin Kaepernick’s critics when generalization is what caused him to have to act. I believe that the anthem is important and that Kaepernick should find another way to protest the tragedies happening around our country. This does not mean I “turn a blind eye” to what is happening in this nation. I am very concerned with the state of our nation’s police and their ability to use limited force. Additionally, I do not agree with Beauchamp’s sentiment that the anthem is a jingle “advertising” our country. The anthem is source of pride for this country and is supposed to be one of the things we will always unite over. Just because it started a certain way doesn’t mean it still has the same meaning now.
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I disagree with the author’s view that playing the national anthem brings politics into sports. There is nothing political about playing our country’s anthem before a sporting event. Playing the national anthem is not part of someones “political agenda.” Until recently, there have been no problems with them anthem, and it is a sign of patriotism for our country. The majority of players and fans feel goosebumps and thoroughly feel pride when the anthem is being played. I agree with Clay’s argument that it is Kaepernick who is responsible for politics being brought in. Things become political when a player sits during an anthem for our country that millions of people have fought and died for. This act would obviously start political arguments within our country. Regardless of whether Kaepernick was right or wrong for his actions, he caused the arguments, not the sound guy playing the song. Hearing the anthem itself is not the cause for players to kneel. Players have been kneeling to injustice that they feel they have received in this country. If the anthem was not played, these players would just find another way to show they are unhappy with the country. I agree with the author that players use the anthem as a medium to show their opinion, but there is nothing political at all regarding the anthem itself.
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The author believes that the National Anthem should not be played before sporting events and clearly argues so. He believes that it is because no other country does so. This argument is empty, because America has never asked another countries permission to do anything. America has benefitted the world from its patriotism and belief in freedom.
The idea that anybody believes that Kaepernick should be arrested for this political beliefs is mistaken. Choosing to cite free speech is only convenient for Kaepernick’s defenders at this time, but when Tim Tebow prays or Curt Schilling calls men being allowed in women’s bathrooms dangerous they want them removed from the league.
As previous people have mentioned, the National Anthem represents America and the diversity of ideas inside this great nation. FDR and Reagan both stood for the flag even when they did not always agree with the current state of the nation. That is how our country must better itself, division will not solve our problems.
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I completely agree with what Abiodum says about disagreeing with Beauchamp, he is completely correct by stating that just because other countries don’t do it doesn’t mean we should stop, to add onto what he is saying, the U.S. has a history of doing things different from their counterparts, and that is what made the U.S.A. The greatest country on Earth (in my opinion at least others may disagree). What Abiodun doesn’t state, is that although singing the national anthem started a publicity stunt, it has morphed into a symbol of patriotism and unitedness at sports games. I believe that the national anthem is a symbol used to remind everyone in the stadium that we are all on the same team at the end of the day. Although the people in the stadium may disagree with sports teams but at the end of the day we are all on the same team as Americans. I agree with Abiodun in that the country isn’t perfect, but I disagree with his rationale on not agreeing with Kaepernick. I believe that him kneeling isn’t hurting anyone and that he is perfect allowed to kneel according to the fist ammendment, but he is rather disrespecting those brave service men, who fought for that flag and so that we may sing our national anthem before every sporting event. I also believe that Kaepernick, should actually being doing something to help solve the problem, other stars such as Lebron James have held meetings with their communities and police to try to find a common ground and to help solve the problem. There is much more Kaepernick coud be doing to solve this problem than disrespecting the military, he could be out trying to help these communities and bring the police and these communities closer together to try to prevent these incidents.
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I disagree with the notion that Kaepernick should find another way to protest because what he is doing is well within his right as an American and is doing it as respectfully as he can. He talked to veterans about his protest and not only were they okay with what he is doing, “some veterans actually found his protest refreshing.” The national anthem doesn’t always carry the same meaning to everyone and symbolizes different things to different people. Beauchamp illustrates that idea by saying “such symbols allow multiple interpretations, meaning different things to different people at different times.” If the national anthem symbolizes the oppression of people of color in this country, he is well within his right to protest for what he believes in whichever nonviolent way that he sees to be the most effective.
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I agree with most points author, Zack Beauchamp, brings up, except that the national anthem brings politics into sports. I don’t see how playing the national anthem, automatically makes politics part of sports. For all of sports history, playing the national anthem has just been a patriotic act, and a “tip-of-the-hat” to those who protect this nation, not some political symbol. There has never been a political issue before, until Kaepernick had to take a knee. Everything in this country is centered on political correctness and its sad see, especially in sporting entertainment. Overall sports should not be a political event, we, as a nation, should use sports to escape from the craziness of politics, not invite them in.
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Colin Kapernick’s silent protest of the National Anthem is no doubt one of the most controversial sports issues of 2016, and Beauchamp’s article presents an interesting point in the debate, calling into question the legitamency of even playing the National Anthem at all during sporting events. The majority of the responses on this blog seem to negate Kapernick’s protest, either calling it a disrespectful gesture of a legal but immoral stance. Beauchamp highlights the history of the National Anthem, and it’s deep roots in military and sports culture, but provides a clear fact that the National Anthem is not legally required, nor is standing for it. Personally, I believe Kapernick’s response is an interesting way to draw attention to the undeniable discrimination of African Americans in this nation, and I fully believe that a step in a peaceful but vigil direction is a step in the right direction, though it is met with hostility and anger.
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I agree with Dylan G that the idea that the national anthem is simply a marketing tool is preposterous. The national anthem is played before sporting events on all levels, not just professional. I can remember hearing it before opening day for baseball as an eight-year-old and it was played before every night game of high school sports. The author Zach Beauchamp addresses the fact that the playing of the anthem at sporting began during the World Wars but claims it was only a ploy to gain support for the war. He completely neglects the fact that it was a sign of respect from the athletes and the spectators to the soldiers who were giving their lives so that they could remain stateside and enjoy playing and spectating a simple game. There have been Americans of every race and ethnicity through history that have given their life to fight to preserve American freedom. Many would have loved to remain home and enjoy a simple game of baseball.
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I agree with Beauchamp in that it really should not matter what a player chooses to do in regards to sitting or standing during the National Anthem. I think it is telling that the NFL chooses to use patriotism as a “branding device” only at times that it is convenient for them, i.e. increased patriotism immediately following 9/11 and a decreased alignment with patriotism when tensions over the Iraq War were at its highest. The NFL uses patriotic branding when it is convenient for them, yet criticizes players for choosing not to exhibit the same type of propaganda. In addition, you can not blame Kaepernick for choosing to protest this act of American patriotism when all throughout the country there acts of oppression towards black people nearly everyday. A country that preaches freedom is deciding exactly who deserves freedom, and every American is supposed to get behind them and support these acts by showing support for the flag and anthem. Overall, it really should not matter what somebody chooses to due while this song plays, but Americans are clearly intolerant of people having disagreements with the people that are supposed to be responsible for the well-being of its citizens.
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I completely disagree with Beauchamp’s argument that he presents in his article. He clearly feels that the National Anthem is just as song as does not actually represent anything important. I agree with Emma H that the Star-Spangled Banner is a representation of all of the hard work and sacrifice that people have made to create this wonderful country. I believe that what Kaepernick is doing is disrespectful to the men and women who have fought to protect our country. His disrespect of our National Anthem is a selfish act regardless of what his intentions are. The NFL is not bringing politics into sports, they are showing respect and gratefulness to troops that have given us a country where we can play and watch Sunday football.
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I agree with Carolina Scobee. Although many people can be rude during the national anthem they are not scrutinized for being rude. These individuals are not paying the respect to the national anthem, but they are also not publicly stating their feelings on the national anthem. When it comes to the topic of Colin Kaepernick I agree that he is being, “unpatriotic” to the country that allowed for him to be privileged. Colin Kaepernick lives a lavish life in which he lives in a large home, drives nice cars, and is famous. By kneeling during the national anthem he is directly saying that he could not care less about the men and women that are defending the country he lives in. Kaepernick is directly saying that he does not care if they live or die just as long as he is able to have his freedom of speech.
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This article was a great read because in my perspective, it gave a different outlook to the current situation. I have heard both sides of this situation with some saying that “he is disrespecting our country by not standing” and others supporting his actions. I have yet to hear someone say that it is the politics that have been brought to the game that has made not standing for the anthem irregular. Ultimately, I agree with Beauchamp’s assertion; that standing for the national anthem does not honor our nation in any meaningful sense, and to add that sitting down during the anthem doesn’t disrespect our nation either. Honoring our nation’s men and women that have fallen while protecting this country can be done in countless ways besides standing for our nation anthem before entertainment. Simply standing before a sporting even shows no honor at all when all people are expected to stand and shunned if not standing. People in America simply stand now because it is the “normal” thing to do and simply have become numb to why we are actually standing. It is more honorable to exercise the freedom that those men and women have fought for than to be forced into something you find misleading (thoughts of Colin Kaepernick). I do believe that taking time every now and then to reflect on our harsh history is a great thing to do, but before every game is very excessive. With it being excessive, it takes value away from it being genuine. I honestly don’t think people take time to reflect, but do it so that they may not be an outcast and seen as disrespectful. Whenever I am out at a sporting event, I feel like I am required to stand with the national anthem in order to stay and watch the game that I have spent my money for. To conclude, I do believe that it is ok to play the national anthem at special events but not every single one because something that is forced is not honorable or genuine. I believe that standing, not standing, or doing whatever else you please is neither a sign of respect or disrespect given that our country is suppose to be the land of the “Free”. Pay respect to those that have fought for this country by simply practicing freedom.
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To be honest, I never questioned the reasoning as to why the National Anthem is played at US sports events. It is something I grew up with, and games would seem odd without it. However, after reading Beauchamp’s article, it stands to question the reason this practice has continued after its inception. I understand the initial necessity for it, during a time when national military support was needed, what easy way to drum up patriotic swells than accessing thousands of people via a sporting event? However, in today’s world, has it outrun its need? Don’t get me wrong, as a military brat and military spouse, I bleed red/white/blue and am very happy to pause anytime the National Anthem plays. But will my football Sunday hurt if it disappears from the schedule? In a time when energies and focus can be better placed upon issues that truly mean something, the argument for standing/sitting during the playing of a song not need at a sports event seems rather trivial.
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I like the fact that the national anthem is played at sporting events. I feel pride when the song is playing. Personally playing sports all my life, the national anthem before a game is a ritual standing there with my hand on my heart signing along, brings me joy. I disagree with Beauchamp I think the national anthem does honor the nation. Almost every single time my friends and I hear the national anthem we sing along. We might not have paused the tv but during a home softball game we always take a pause and say a little prayer. I think my friends and I are all patriotic, I mean one of my friends apartment is decorated with American flags. I didn’t really understand what Kapernick was doing or why he was doing it. I thought it was mostly for the attention. Whatever Kapernick thinks is right or wrong, I enjoy listening to the national anthem before sporting events.
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It is clear that Beauchamp disagrees with the national anthem being played at sporting events, however I disagree with Beauchamp on his views of the national anthem and the situation in general. He claims that it is “not normal” to show a display of patriotism, as Americans do, by playing the national anthem at the start of a sporting event and that others are off-put by it. Different countries express patriotism in different ways and I really do not think that America should be compared to other countries because we have our own very distinct identity as a country. What we do shouldn’t be looked down upon because another country has chosen to do something differently. Moreover, I have traveled to other countries and have had a similar discussion about American patriotism as it relates to sports. I was in Germany during the Euro Cup where I had the opportunity to watch a German match, with German people, and the gentleman I was speaking to was enamored with the way Americans showed their patriotism, especially when it came to sports. He told me that Germans cannot have such displays of nationalism because of their past, and it is considered very taboo in their country. This can give insight in to why one country may find our display of patriotism odd but at the same time it can also show how another individual in the same country finds the display wonderful.
While initially the incorporation of the National Anthem into sporting events was in an effort to garner support for the war effort during World Wars I and II, its meaning has evolved into something different in the present day. Having the National Anthem played at sporting events isn’t political, it is a gesture of respect not only to our country but to the brave men and women who have fought for the rights and freedoms that make this country what it is. A country that is so different from many other countries. A country that gives individuals, like Kaepernick, the right to freedom of speech, a country that Kaepernick has no problem disrespecting. Politics are brought into football when players choose to use the game, and in this case, the National Anthem as a platform to protest something that has nothing to do with the game or the anthem. By Kaepernick protesting the National Anthem, he is promoting the generalization that all Americans are responsible for the injustices that he is protesting, which is simply not the case. Colin Kaepernick would have been more effective in his cause if he would have actually taken action in a positive and informed way on the front end rather than purposely choosing an action that would feed into the hyper sensationalism of the issues he was protesting.
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I agree with the author when he states that it is not Kaepernicks fault for bringing politics into sports. Simply playing the national anthem before a game or match makes it inherently political. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. I think that it started off as a political gesture, but it has become an American tradition to play it before all sporting events. Other cultures also play their national anthems before major sporting events, such as the Olympics, I don’t think it’s that large of a leap for Americans to extend this to all sporting events. I also stand by Kaepernick’s decision to kneel, or sit during the national anthem as a token of protest to the way black people are treated currently. I think it is very important that we respect his right to non-violently protest and exercise his free speech. That right is what so many soldiers have sacrificed their lives for.
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I am very strong minded, and one sided on this topic. When Beauchamp asserts that the practice doesn’t actually honor the nation “in any meaningful sense,” is shocking to me. Does he not know our history, where it came from, why we originally started playing it and why we continue to do so? Yes, I can honestly say that every single time I hear the national anthem it does bring a strong sense of patriotism and pride to me. Being active duty, I feel very strongly towards the national anthem and all that it represents. We are able to even play or have a national anthem because of those that have fallen before us to give us the freedom of speech and to give us the ability to live freely. It’s a matter of respect. When someone wants to complete interfere with the national anthem on national television and all that it represents it solely doing it for attention and to further lead this nation into a racial war. It’s fueling the fire. America is known for its great sporting events, and therefore the national anthem is played at these events to represent the pride and patriotism we have as a nation. People who disrespect the national anthem by sitting down or protesting should stop and think for a minute about all of the fallen military members that they are also dishonoring.
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I have never questioned the playing of the national anthem before any event. I think the national anthem being played is a good thing. Playing the national anthem before events shows a lot about the American culture. America is a very prideful country, and playing the national anthem gives American’s a way to have pride for their country and to make it known. I think the national anthem should be allowed to be played at these events, I don’t really see anything wrong with it, and if people do not wish to participate they should not be punished for that. I believe the national anthem should be played before any event that represents the American culture.
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I agree with Sheena as well. People are being hypocritical when it comes to Kaepernick. He has the right to exercise that freedom and people are trying to take that freedom away from him. He just wants to prove a point but sadly people aren’t actually listening to the message he is trying to convey. He’s trying to bring attention to how unfairly blacks are being treated in America, but apparently to most people the bigger problem in America is that he won’t stand for the Anthem.
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I think that at this point the national anthem should continue to be played at sporting games because at this point it has less to do with patriotism and more to do with tradition and branding. As the author said, the NFL uses patriotism as a form of their branding. This totally makes sense to me. People think of football and baseball as some of the most american things. I never even thought about this before reading this article. I think there is no harm in continuing playing the national anthem at sporting events, then again I can’t remember the last time I was at a sporting event. Maybe if I was there I would be annoyed more than have feelings of nostalgia when they played the national anthem.
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I was unaware that national anthems are not played as often in other countries but even with that information I think playing the National Anthem is a beautiful thing. This is a tradition that has been going on for a while and it does not seem to be doing anyone harm so why not? We are all Americans in this country so it should not be a problem for anyone. I do believe that even if the Anthem is played at sporting events or anywhere that no one should be forced to stand. If someone feels like peacefully protesting a problem they strongly believe in then that is their decision and that decision should be respected. You can not force everything down people’s throats. Each person has their own opinion.
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When it comes the national anthem, Beauchamp is clearly arguing that playing it before sporting events invites politics into the event, as he states in the last line of his article: “…that means they’ll end up being political, whether people like it or not.” Because the anthem is displaying patriotism, and patriotism is political, playing the anthem is political regardless of where it’s played at. Beauchamp points out we don’t play the anthem at other big events. This is his main argument, not whether we should play the anthem or not.
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I completely agree with what Sara had to say. Playing the anthem before any game is a sign of respect for those who have fought and died for this country. The display of respect is in no way over the top, and is not just used as an “advertising jingle”. The anthem often leaves players in tears, as they respect those who have fought for their right to play the game that they love. This is no act, and should not be viewed as one. I also agree with Sara when she claimed that Kaepernick is the one responsible for politics being brought into sports. Prior to this incident, there had been no issues with politics in professional sports. Occasionally players would wear shirts to represent an injustice that had happened, but there had never been a discussion as big as the one Kaepernick created. By kneeling, he brought politics into spots, not by the sporting events playing the National Anthem prior to any game. I also disagree with Beauchamp’s claim, “So today, we play the national anthem before sporting events … because we play the national anthem before sporting events.” The Star Spangled Banner is played before events because of respect for this country and those who have died for it, not just because it was played in the past.
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Like many people that commented to this article, I disagree with the author’s stance on the issue, especially for the fact that he believes that the National Anthem is a political stance. Just as Sara Beth Sears says, “There is nothing political about playing our countries anthem before a sporting event.” I believe that the National Anthem is meant to unite U.S. citizens throughout the country not just in sporting events, but also in daily life. Our country is obviously not perfect, but the common good that this country tries to create for people all over the world is something to proud of. Kaepernick has the right to refuse to stand for the National Anthem, but that does not mean that those who are proud of the National Anthem and what it stands for should be less patriotic for the country they love.
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“Oh say can we see or can we see not” says Zack Beauchamp towards the national anthem calling political. Beauchamp brought politics into an American sport not Kaepernick when he chooses to kneel during the song. On the other hand, many Americans felt like it has nothing to do with politics but patriotism. It should be sung to represent the battle of Americas freedom. Sports are a big thing in the United States of America.
Beauchamp stands behind Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the star bangled banner on the facts that Kaepernick didn’t bring politics into football but the NFL did that on their own by playing the anthem. In the article, Beauchamp agrees that Kaepernick was correct when he stated “I’m not going to stand up to show pride in a flag that oppresses black people and people of color.” Beauchamp thinks that the anthem is a way of the government having control over the people. Beauchamp states “The star-spangled banner was played before games throughout the course of the war and by the time war was over the pre-game singing of the national anthem had become cemented as a baseball ritual after which it spread to other sports.”
Personally, my view point is that I’m pro-national anthem because it shows your proud of being an American. It shows respect to the people who fought for our freedom. If it wasn’t for the war, Beauchamp and Kaepernick wouldn’t have the right to kneel. They also would not have the right to voice their opinion. Americans sports should play the anthem because it shows we are proud and supportive. It shows how hard we fought as a nation to have the rights we have.
Plat the anthem or don’t play the anthem we still have to thank the men and women who fought for us to have the right to fight this issue because someone dies for us to have many rights. We can’t we can’t change what people think but we should all be proud of who we are as Americans.
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The responses to the controversial article written by Beauchamp on the They Say, I Blog website were certainly not unanimous, but the majority of the responders disagree with Beauchamp. Beauchamp argues that the national anthem is no longer relevant because it is not played at sporting events for the same reasons it was during World War I and World War II. I disagree, as many other responders do, with the idea that this staple of our country and culture is “irrelevant”.
It was interesting to learn the history of the national anthem, and how it made its way into every sporting arena in the country. Beauchamp says that the national anthem was implemented into sporting events for a sense of unison during the World Wars, with which I would agree. At a time when the country felt as if it was falling apart, sports team, and the Star Spangled Banner, gave Americans a sense of unity and belonging. However, arguing that the continued us of the national anthem in sporting events is simply a form of advertising seems a bit absurd to me. While it may be a technique to an extent, the national anthem stands for so much more than just a way to make money. I agree with commenter Dylan G., who believes “that the playing of the national anthem is a point of pride for many Americans.” We play the national anthem at little league games, summer swim meets, and not for political reasons, but rather because it reminds us of unity, even if warfare.
There is debate within the comments on whether or not Collin Kaepernick’s actions were justified or disrespectful. Sara Beth Sears argues that by kneeling for the national anthem, Kaepernick is indeed to blame for the politics brought into the National Football League, and I agree. America’s sports teams are a symbol of togetherness and fans turn to these games for an escape from the sometimes harsh world. By kneeling for the Star Spangled Banner, Kaepernick not only disrespects those who have fought hard for the freedom of the United States, but also diminishes the escape and unity that sports brings.
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Colin Kaepernick decided to kneel in protest when the National Anthem is being played before a football game, and people are trying to crucify him and do not even know why. This protest does not make Kaepernick any less patriotic then the next person, and people that are saying this have no idea what patriotism is. Then there are the statements that Keapernick should not bring politics into sporting events, and people should understand that the government brought politics into sporting events almost one hundred years ago when they played it at the world series for the first time. The other thing people should realize they are not playing the Anthem for any other reason other than to raise the profits of the organization by making people feel the two are tied together. It is very unfortunate that people are even stating that he is disrespecting the military personnel actively serving and the veterans which is not true at all, and the worse part of this is these statements seem to be coming from people that never served and have no idea what it means to serve. As a veteran of the United States military I support Kaepernick’s kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of the inequalities and violence that minorities suffer in this country. Bottom line about this protest is people need to respect a person’s first amendment rights and educate themselves on the issues instead of speaking on uniformed emotions.
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