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 
My reaction to this all over the place. I understand what the national anthem means to the people of America, but it means so much more to the veterans. They risked their own lies to protect the United States. Yes, the world is much bigger than just the veterans. Not just black lives matter but all lives matter. People do not show enough respect and courtesy to one another. Not only that, but some of the police officers take the law into their own hands, but I do not know why we show more videos of police brutality than more police kindness. I understand that killing people and hurting other individuals is important but we are only seeing the bad of it. So I understand where Colin Kaepernick is coming from when he takes a new for the National Anthem.
He has a freedom of expression and speech. It’s hard to blog about something when there is a bigger picture and it can be resolved. Kaepernick is a man that is getting too much publicity for a minor thing. Some people do not like the way he is and he is completely fine with that, but at the same time, he is making himself turn out to be a villain. I am with Kaepernick on not giving respect to the authority when the authority takes lives, and breaks thousands of families apart.
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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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When reading Michael Grothaus’s article about his smartphone free week, the reader is able to incur Michael’s perspective and what he was feeling when going through the week without a smart phone. Michael starts off with creating an image of how reliant he is on his smartphones apps and how even his career relied heavily on the rectangle that everyone carries around. Through the creation of the vivid imagery he presents, the readers are able to sense just how incomplete and lacking Michael felt without the use of the many applications he used on an hourly basis. “During the day I actually was nervous to leave my computer—my only link with the Internet—and journey into the world without it, lest I miss some big news when I’m out” (Michael Grothaus). Missing out on the options he had with his smart phone was enough to give Michael a tremendous amount of anxiety.
Throughout the smartphone free weak article, Michael explains how later on in the week he began to realize how much he relies on his smartphone besides what he had a general idea about from before starting his smartphone free week. Michael started to have to carry more items than he was used to normally carrying. The smartphone acted as an all in on gadget and now he had to keep his wallet, his bus pass, & more on him to perform some of the actions his smartphone would normally enable him to do. Later on in the week, Michael also started to get a sense of relief and freedom from not checking his smartphone for notifications throughout the day. “After you get through the withdrawals of not being bombarded by email alerts, tweets, and Slack messages you come to appreciate this lack of easy access others have to you” (Michael Grothaus). Michael started to appreciate the world around him more such as by talking to people more or finding happiness in reading the newspaper. However, this was at the cost of the convenience of not having access to his smartphone.
In the end, Michael is much more relieved to have his smartphone with him again. Michael describes the smartphone as a gateway to information and many other utilities that make our lives much easier. Using a smartphone as a distraction while waiting in a line is what many people with smartphones tend to do to avoid the awkwardness of standing in line although Michael states that without a smartphone he had started a conversation that he normally wouldn’t do. Michael’s comparison about what he did with and without a smartphone shows how the quality of attention that Michael payed to the world visibly around him was greater when he did not use his smartphone however, the quality of attention that Michael payed to the world not visibly around him was greater when he used his smartphone. “The smartphone not only makes my life easier, it makes the world smaller and more surmountable” (Michael Grothaus). Michael successfully shows the ups and downs of having smartphones in our worlds and how they have become an essential part of our lives while also giving the reader the perspective he went through during his smartphone free week. This is how Michael comes to the conclusion that moderation is key when surrounding yourself with both the world directly around you and the world not directly visible that the smartphone helps to provide.
-Austin Wood
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In my opinion, Beauchamp is arguing that the national anthem shouldn’t be played at the start of major league sporting events as well as arguing that by playing the national anthem during major league sporting events that the national anthem is being exploited for political and commercial gain. “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” (Vox, Zack Beauchamp). During the time when the national anthem started to be played during at major league sports events, the purpose was to tie politics to the games because of wars going on during the time period. Beauchamp brings up that now days the Star Spangle Banner being played at major league games is more for the NFL to gain a profit rather than respecting veterans.
Next, Beauchamp has also dug into the fact that playing the ‘Star Spangle Banner’ has multiple at major league sporting events has multiple meanings based off perspective. Beauchamp does this through mentioning the athlete Kaepernick and how Kaepernick refuses to stand up during the flag. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color” (Vox, Colin Kaepernick). While Kaepernick sees refusal to stand for the flag as a way to fight oppression, many other people see this as an unpatriotic act.
I believe that Beauchamp is correct is the viewpoint that standing for the flag as the ‘Star Spangle Banner’ plays is outdated. The reason of starting the tradition of standing for the ‘Star Spangle Banner’ as our countries flag is raised does not make sense anymore in the way it is used. It is not used the same way as it was in the past and there are many other ways to show respect for our troops and veterans. Other countries do not have this unique cultural habit of playing the national theme during major league sporting events because there is no need for it that would hold the same value as it used to in the past.
In conclusion, it all depends on perspective for if you see the raising of the flag during major league sports events as a form of patriotism, a marketing campaign, or whatever other perspective someone has. When a friend of mine from Europe came to see a baseball game with me in Chicago, they were astonished and confused as to what was happening because they have never heard of doing something like standing for the flag at sporting events nor saw the reasoning in it. Meanwhile if you ask a majority of conservative Americans, you will most likely get a very different response arguing that the ‘Star Spangle Banner’ being played during games is an act of respect and patriotism. I believe that while people may have a different perspective on the playing of the national anthem and raising of the flag during major league sporting events, it should not be seen as unpatriotic to have your own set of beliefs.
-Austin Wood
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Anytime I hear the Star- Spangled Banner I always stand up and put my hand over my heart. That’s the right thing to do, to me it symbolizes the freedom we have because of all the lives that have been sacrificed. My father was a member of the United States of the Army for 20 years. By me not standing up for the Star-Spangled Banner would be wrong. Him and other members of my family have fought and sacrificed their lives for me to live in a country that is “free”. I always thank the soldiers that have lost their lives while listening to the Star-Spangled Banner and pray for the ones who lost their lives while fighting. Anytime that I have been to a sports game, I have never seen someone not stand up for the Star-Spangled Banner. Everyone stands up and takes their hat off, if wearing one and we all stand in silence. This is the way it should be.
I think that yes Colin Kaepernick should be able to express his feelings towards America and what is going on right now. I don’t think that this was the time or place for that. He should respect the Flag and what it stands for. It’s not the flags fault that there are people in this country that oppress black people and people of color. If anything he is contributing to the reason people oppress other people of color and discriminate them. There are people risking their lives for our country and get paid very little compared to him and all the other sports players. If anything he should be thanking and standing for the Star-Spangled Banner.
If Colin Kaepernick feels like there is something wrong with the way black people and people of color are treated, then maybe he should make a change. Change can happen by just one person. Help spreading awareness and help people of color and blacks better themselves would be a good start. I don’t believe that him not standing means that he is unpatriotic, anti-American. I just think that there is a different time and place to shows his feelings towards America and how blacks and colored people are being treated. If the NFL is only using the Star-Spangled Banner for advertising and making money, then I don’t think they should use it at the beginning of their games. I do not think that it is right of them to do that. People have died for this country and they are using that song at the beginning of their games to gain publicity, as Beauchamp says in the article. And just because other countries don’t do it at the beginning of their sports games doesn’t mean that America doesn’t need to. I think that if I was a veteran at a sports event and I saw one of the players not stand, I would be greatly offended.
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Beauchamp is arguing that the national anthem should not be played before sporting events. He discusses that America is the only country that plays the national anthem before sport games. The anthem played at the games begin during World War 1 to ensure patriotic enthusiasm in the crowds. After that football begin to use the anthem along with other patriotic imagery to sell football. By playing the anthem before a game it invites politics into sports. Beauchamp further explains in the article
We don’t listen to the national anthem at other mass cultural events. The latest Marvel film doesn’t open with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” nor does a play at the local theater. There is no necessary reason sports should be different.
In the quote above he clearly states there is no reason we should salute the flag before watching sports. I agree with Beauchamp as football is just a game and sports are supposed to be fun. Inserting political characteristics with in the sport makes it to serious and that is not enjoyable.
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Today’s america doesn’t represent what it used to. There is no freedom, everything we do is restricted and if an authority doesn’t like your actions you are “punished”. Not standing for the national anthem should’t be a problem because ‘we are entitled to our own rights’ yet here we are discussing whether it is right or wrong to express this type of feeling towards an anthem. No one should be criticized and told to not bring politics into sports when it has been a part of sports for a long time to ‘recruit’ people to fight for their country. I believe the national anthem shouldn’t continue to be a part of sports because not everyone agrees with that poem because it no longer represents the place we live in today.
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I don’t think the national anthem really has to do with a sporting event. I think maybe that people are so use to just doing it that it’s just became a common custom. I think the national anthem is more of us showing support and respect to our country. I never felt some sort of feeling when I heard the song. Kapernick kind of attacked the national anthem. Although he is speaking his mind he is really disrespectful.
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Zack Beauchamp makes the argument that having the Star Spangled Banner played during sport events unnecessarily brings politics into the game. Looking at the history of the national anthem and how it over time was incorporated into sports, Beauchamp makes it a point that we no longer live in a time where sports and militarism are fused. He suggests that patriotism is being used to market sports to it’s viewer. It’s foul to use patriotism as a branding tool for sports organization to fuel their business endeavors. It is direct exploitation of American people and their love of country. In the same sense, what would America be without exploitation? It is the very foundation in which this country was built, but I digress.
The national anthem is a time to honor America and all its greatness. The song itself is very political. The Star Spangled Banner is about the war in which America was fighting for its freedom from British rule. The irony in this is that America was fighting to be independent and free from Britain, all the while enslaving Africans and African Americans to work in its field. Fast forwarding to today, African-Americans are still being treated more harshly than their white counterparts and Kaepernick chose not to honor the hypocrisy. As a veteran, I fought for Americans’ rights to peacefully protest. After all, protest is also the foundation of America. Kaepernick simply put his oar in and gave his side in the conversation. For some the national anthem is a proclamation of victory and greatness of America; for others, it’s a reminder of America’s inconsistencies.Either way, the national anthem was political when it was first written in 1814 and it remains the same in 2017.
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To me the national anthem and the flag are something that I respect and as an American I feel proud of. I respect it and find it disrespectful when I see shorts and swim wear made out of the colors of our flag, but then that’s how some people show their patriotism, in different ways, we all have freedom of speech. The military sponsors a lot of this NFL sports activities and appearances therefore I don’t think that the NFL does it because they are patriotic, just like the article says it’s all a big business. I am very proud to stand and give my respects to the flag. I am a military wife and the anthem and flag have very special meaning.
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I was not aware of the national anthem’s history and why it was placed in sporting events to begin with. As interesting as all of that information is and the fact that the national anthem was used to rally support for the war, I still think that it is a core part of the American way. If you think about it, the United States of America has never really been one to do the same thing as every other country. Patriotism is one of our main values here and I think it is what holds this country together. We are a proud country and I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to show our affinity for the land in which we live. As for saluting the flag, standing for the national anthem, or anything of the like being a requirement I am opposed. I do not think that anyone should be required to do any of those things if they so choose. We live in a free country and anyone can choose to do or not do anything. I don’t think that it is disrespectful. As much as I love this country, I can also see that we are majorly flawed and if no one speaks up or takes action nothing can change. Colin Kaepernick is a public figure, what better way to get a respectful message out there and raise awareness for a national issue? Kaepernick exercised his right to kneel during the national anthem. He is a brave man addressing an issue of the people because he knows he is someone that can really help make a difference. I respect that he took a stand (metaphorically that is) and did something to protest the injustice in this country and that he did it with class.
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Beauchamp isn’t arguing that the National Anthem shouldn’t be played at the beginning of sports games, but simply that playing it introduces an unnecessary political aspect that people really don’t need to abide by, as Kaepernick showed all. Beauchamp supports this and gives us historical context to the National Anthem and sporting events with a string of quotes and excepts that fully support his claims and flow neatly with his narrative. By introducing that playing the National Anthem during sporting events is a worldwide oddity and mainly an American tradition, we find more reason to support Kaepernick in his decision not to stand to a song that praises a country that is oppressing his people. Therefore Beauchamp’s ties are solidly interwoven. In my own opinion, it doesn’t really matter to me when I hear the National Anthem played. Usually sporting events are the only time when I do hear them, unless they’re played at graduation ceremonies or community events (which is rare). I’m not a political or nationalistic person in myself, and never will be. I dread the idea of including more nationalistic practices like we see in sporting events into more public entertainment in our lives. However, I would not fight for its removal during sporting events; if it stays, so be it, that’s fine with me. Regarding the serious tone that the song carries, I don’t think it should be thrown into any sort of event willy nilly. Playing of the National Anthem should be saved for serious, somber occasions that respect it and give it dignity.
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I’m a big sports fan and I’m accustomed to knowing that the national anthem is played before the game starts. I myself do stand up and honor those who have sacrificed their lives to give us this freedom and those who protect them now. I don’t do it all the time just when I’m present at the actual event. When I’m at the event, not everyone stands up and some are even getting up to get refreshments and food before the game starts. That is fine with me so this ordeal with Mr. Kaepernick is not a big deal either. I just don’t see any harm being done by Kaepernick. His not dishonoring what the brave people that serves this country, so if he is then all those other people are just as guilty.
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The national anthem to me is played out, I believe this is the same way Beauchamp feels about it when he says “the practice doesn’t actually honor the nation “in any meaningful sense.” The last few times I have heard the national anthem it has not made me reflect on any patriotic feelings nor did it remind me of certain histories what it did was this “Can you hurry up with the song so I can watch the football game already?” The national anthem is taken for granted it has been sung over and over and over again that it no longer has that same meaning it did in 1930. The national anthem should just be played in certain occasions so it can have a greater impact on our patriotic self.
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Beauchamp starts off his article by explaining why Kaepernick didn’t stand up for the national anthem: a protest to recognize the oppression of colored people.
But then transitions as to why the national anthem is played at sports to begin with. His main point that he brings to the readers is that the reason why the national anthem is played before major sporting events in the US is because MONEY, ulitmately.
When patriotism is viewed as a positive thing, Major League Sports will use it to it’s advantage, waving American symbols to increase support and profit. But when it isn’t such a popular thing, Beauchamp says, “But in 2006 and 2007, as public outrage at the Iraq War built, the league toned it down substantially.”
When Kaepernick received support from soldiers and veterans, it goes to show that the life and ideals they are/were fighting for doesn’t reflect that in this country. And how you can’t take politics out of sports when the very reason “The Star Spangled Banner” is played and sung at these events were for gaining support of war in the first place.
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I couldn’t agree more with Dylan G’s point of view on Beauchamp’s article. For many Americans including myself, the National Anthem is a point of pride and a time to show our gratitude to those who fight for our country, and even more so for those who have lost their lives doing so. It has also become a huge tradition to do this before sporting events and I don’t think we should stop this tradition just because other countries don’t do it too. It holds meaning for many Americans from all different backgrounds. It’s a time to show our patriotism and honor those who are brave enough to protect the flag. I am aware that it is Colin Kaepernick’s right to do whatever he wants when the National Anthem is played. That is what is so great about our country, freedom of speech. However, that doesn’t mean I have to agree with his choice. I find it painfully ironic that he is sitting when the anthem is played, disrespecting the people who died for our country and died for his right to free speech in the first place. I believe there are better ways for Kaepernick to stand against the oppression in our country without disrespecting the flag. Also, I believe he loses a bit of credibility when he came out afterward stating that he didn’t vote in the election. If he is going to make a statement as huge as sitting while the anthem is played, and his goal is to be a role model for all of the little kids who look up to him, then he should follow through with that and set the example of how important it is to be a contributing member of democracy and vote in the election. In conclusion, while Beauchamp says that the NFL playing the National Anthem is nothing more than a marketing tool, I feel inclined to point out that for many Americans, including myself, it is just so much more than that.
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I agree with Dylan in that we should play the anthem and it really shouldn’t matter if other countries do or not. As an athlete, when the anthem is not played before the first pitch of a baseball game it does not feel right or correct. I understand that some people do not agree with this but the idea of recognizing the people who have sacrificed for our ability to play a game is certainly worth doing.
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I agree with Allisen Grabowski because she believes that Kaepernick should feel like he has the right to express his opinion towards what’s all happening in regards to people of color in America. Although the National Anthem was used for profit and for the recognition of America’s freedom and patriotism, Kaepernick’s actions was not going to help nor stop the issues of black lives. This is where many people argue whether or not he was in the wrong for kneeling or not? Kneeling during the anthem seemed a bit extreme in my perspective because I feel like he could’ve addressed his feelings and opinions in a more appropriate and professional manner.
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In this article, Zach Beauchamp, argues that playing the National Anthem at sporting events is irrelevant, pointless, and unusual when considering other countries. Furthermore, Beauchamp claims that the playing of the National Anthem at sporting events started and still is nothing more than a political ordeal. He notes that the National Anthem came into play during WWI as a signal of patriotism towards our troops and to remind Americans that the government is in need of our help and has evolved through WWI and WW2 into a common ritual at the start of all sporting events in America. Beauchamp asserts that having to stand during the National Anthem, and even having to listen to it is strange.
Zack Beauchamp is mistaken because he overlooks the privilege of being able to stand and listen to the National Anthem at these sporting events. I entirely disagree with the larger argument that Beauchamp holds and his reasoning for it. The National Anthem at sporting events is necessary and very honorable. The National Anthem is a symbol of patriotism and people such as Kaepernick are missing the simple idea that the National Anthem unites the people and demonstrates the premise of the country’s history and the freedom that we have. Still to this day the National Anthem shows support for our troops overseas and maybe Beauchamp has turned a blind eye, but we are still fighting overseas and a little extra morale from back home will never hurt.
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2) I agree with Ever Collette that the National Anthem is played at sporting events in order to show respect to those in our armed forces and that 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 because my experience as an American confirms it. Collette makes a great point here regarding Zach Beauchamp’s article. The National Anthem is more than just an irrelevant song played at sporting events for political influence and money, it is a symbol of our great country’s past and are brave soldiers who have, and are still, fighting in wars. The National Anthem brings the American people together to stand behind our troops overseas and is surely not irrelevant.
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Beuchamp brings up that it is not normal for the national anthem to be played before a professional sports game in comparison to other countries. Its a marketing tool and it in facts brings political controversy. He uses the example of Collin Kaepernick who chooses to take a knee during the national anthem. Kaepernick takes knee because he doesn’t want show pride for a country that stands for opression. Personally I agree with Beauchamp because yes some people say that standing and saying the national anthem is a privilege but to most its not. Its a very political topic because people of color are truly not free so why would we want to stand for a flag that is supposed to symbolize freedom? For people to say that he shouldn’t bring politics into sports when thats what were dong by singing the national anthem is unfair. For someone to have such a big platform he is very brave to take a stand against the things that he believes are wrong in our society.
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I agree with Mr. Kaepernick stand and protest for justice in America. What I disagree with is he brought it to football. I enjoy my Sundays during fall watching football it is entertainment and I dont want politics in sports. But there it is right smack in the middle. Mr. Kaepernick is a paid professonail and is not paid for his opinion. I believe in him and his practicies of life and admire his work in his achievements on helping others. But please, he is still a paid entertainer he should just perform his job.
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I disagree with Erin. With everything going on, Kaepernick felt that the United States has not been living up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. So, this led him to refuse to stand for the national anthem which, in my opinion, is appropriate and justified. Also, he was working his first amendment right. He created a legal, peaceful protest. He is entitled to his opinion just as much as everyone else is. Furthermore, it is not an obligation to stand during the national anthem. It is a choice.
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Response to Maggie
I respectfully disagree, Maggie. The act of not standing during the national anthem was never meant to bring attention to any one individual; it was meant to shed light on injustice. Having pride in one’s country is fine but to allow that pride to allow wrong doings and blatant acts of prejudice to pass through the cracks is irresponsible. This act is not challenging the American way of life but encouraging a reform that will hopefully grant everyone living in the country equality, the value America apparently stands and kneels for.
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I do not understand why this is such a big deal. The man is exercising his right to protest. However, even before all that, what exactly is the justification for playing the national anthem before sporting events? Why should there be a unified sense of patriotism before a large football game? Seriously? Why not demonstrate patriotism during events that deserve it, not a normal sporting event that caters to entertainment. On the other hand, I also do not understand why there are so many commentators here who are asserting that it was disrespectful for Kaepernick to kneel during the national anthem, as “there were millions of people that died fighting for our country.” He is protesting the current atrocities committed towards Americans in a country that supposedly conveys equality and justice for all. Ok sure, we can be thankful for the country we were born or raised in and the opportunities it provides us, but we will not be grateful or appreciative of its exploitative history and current unjust practices.
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October 16th, 2016, Sara Beth Sears shares her opinion on the reasons for players to kneel during the National Anthem and if politics were brought into the NFL based on that specific reason.
Prior to reading these comments and finding Sara’s thoughts, I did a summary response paper based on the controversial issue of players kneeling during the National Anthem and disrespecting the flag. So when I came across Sara, I felt we were connected. Not only did she mention “If the anthem was not played, these players would just find another way to show they are unhappy with the country” but also that “Regardless of whether Kaepernick was right or wrong for his actions, he caused the arguments, not the sound guy playing the song”. Two very strong statements made that is common sense to me. Standing up for your beliefs is right and shouldn’t be judged as wrong, but choosing to showcase your anger towards unlawful acts during the National Anthem, which is the pride of this country, is like jumping in boiling water without testing it first. Evidenced by the small fellowship shown these past 2 years as most teams still stand side by side, arm in arm, no matter the race.
There is no doubting that politics were brought into this situation but it isn’t because we choose to play the National Anthem, we have been doing so for years, yet it is because of the protest made! Again, No judgement on the reasons for the protest, I just think it was the wrong time to do so when you were clocked in and working.
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I do not agree with the fact that the because these people are not standing for the national anthem that it is a sign of disrespect. Imagine putting yourself into the shoes of a minority like Colin Kaepernick and being forced to stand and give respect to a country that does not respect his kind. How would you feel? He feels threaten by certain people in America and feel that the African-American community is not being treated fairly. Regardless of the anthem being played or not, they will someone find a way to voice their opinions, which they have the right to do. They are entitled to their opinions as you are to yours. By the author saying it is disrespectful is ignorant, because he does not know what they are going through or how they feel.
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The American Anthem is so glorious. We owe it to our country to stop whatever we are doing and pay some respect. I agree it is something we all set aside our differences and become one.
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I do believe that the Nation Anthem should still continue and be played more at sports stadiums. We should always remember what people do for us and how they fight for us. It is a sign of respect from us to them. In my opinion, it should always be played the way it has been, because whoever would like to stand can and respect those individuals that are risking their lives for us every day, whoever chooses not to can stand does not have too.
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Beauchamp makes a great point that the NFL began politicizing itself, not it’s athletes like Colin Kaepernick. Of course, each and every person will have a slightly different political view, so inserting politics into a sports event is sure to arouse political disagreements among the spectators or even athletes. The NFL wanted to drum up generic patriotism but got more than they bargained for when they realized the American Flag can mean different things to different people. Those attacking Kaepernick claim he’s affronting our service members by trying to make a statement during the national anthem. Others, myself included, like to think about exactly what our service members fight to protect- our rights and freedoms of course. Kaepernick flexing his right to free expression is quite the opposite of disrespecting the flag or the military. It’s confident patriotism that drives someone to make a statement about the state of their country and the changes they wish to see. Surely, if Kaepernick wasn’t a patriot, he would put no thought into how America can improve.
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i really believe the point of the national anthem is supposed to be to honor our soldiers in todays modern world, hoewever i also think that not everyone thinks the same as me. As a result of that i think that it should be your right to stand for the anthem and it should be played, however you should not be forced to stand. You should not be treated poorly because you choose to express your freedom even if its in an unpopular way.
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Its true, I never thought of national anthem before a game but I liked it because it did give me a sense of patriotism. The argument that other countries don’t do it doesn’t matter to me. Why should we follow them and maybe they should do it too. Knowing more about its history makes it even more relevant to me as a tradition and shows us that, even though two teams will be competing/fighting one another, at the end we are all in the same team. I think we should play it at any competitive event to show everyone that competition doesn’t mean we hate each other but that we still are one nation and our ultimate goal is for all of us to succeed.
I think, it should be played at public events where the whole community is present, so not at a small picnics and small private events. I feel national anthem brings people together and we as a nation actually need that thread so if we try to remove it, I think that will just further separates us into separate groups.
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There’s a misconception on why exactly the national anthem is played before major league sporting events in the US. In Beauchamp’s article titled “Kaepernick didn’t bring politics into sports. The NFL did that by playing the anthem”; expresses his idea that the NFL is using the national anthem as a marketing method. He states that the national anthem was never prominent in the early 1900’s pre-war. As the first world war began, the song was brought along to play during sporting events. This ultimately stirred up a ‘patriotic fervor’ and generated good business for sports. Beauchamp argues that it made sense to play the national anthem as it “reminds sports audiences that their government needed them desperately” during this time. For the latter, the national anthem remained a ritual after the wars and was played before many major sporting events. In addition, Beauchamp argues that people are used to being patriotic with the national anthem as it normally relates to a military image. So any other interpretation of it causes an uproar. So the idea of using the anthem as a marketing method to connect more people to some form of mass cultural event is ultimately the tradition that has followed. Beauchamp concludes by saying regardless of what people think, the national anthem will continue to be used and will make any even political.
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The ideology behind patriotism is to show moral support in wars. The pride to support this country had to be developed to make it worth fighting for since the time we separated from Britain. The sense of pride it is to be American is getting intertwined with what it means to worship a flag. Fighting for America, I see the argument over the flag as ridiculous because the pride is not in the flag, but of being american and being able to share the freedom that we are given. To ridicule those who do not stand for the flag at these times shows the hypocrisy of the country. When those that feel oppressed retaliate in a non destructive way we are upset and when they use force we are upset? When anyone ever sticks up for themselves are we supposed to be upset? If we are to be prideful and wish to continue with having the national anthem before every event, we need to take a step back and realize that we are not equal Americans. But, the article stating that the anthem brought in politics seems a little far fetched.
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I would agree with the author that currently the patriotic imagery at sports events has very little to do with actual patriotism and is a part of longstanding tradition. However, it does not mean that the sportsmen have to disrespect the national anthem and flag. In my opinion, by exploiting traditional American values, NFL tries to make more money and nothing else. Instead of disrespecting national anthem, those players, coaches and club owners who want to express their opinion and gain more popularity should help low income communities and different charity organizations. As part of the 1% of rich people, those players should donate, for example, half of their yearly earning for good cause. It would not hurt them at all, and would help those who actually need it, and increase their respect and popularity.
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It should not be required to stand for the national anthem. If a person decides to stand and honor their country, they are more than welcome to do so. Ar the same, we should allow others the freedom of speech on how they want to display their view on certain things. Like the national anthem.
It irks many people when someone doesn’t stand for the national anthem. But, since this is America, and not a communistic society, its people are allowed to say and display their views on what they like. The main thing that Kaepernick did here, was not only make the national news, he shed light on what he thought needed action. By kneeling for the national anthem.
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I completely understand what our national anthem represents and why they play it before sport events but I still believe that deciding to stand or not during the anthem is everyone’s own prerogative. Growing up, one of my best friends was a Jehovah’s Witness so he wouldn’t stand up during the Pledge of Allegiance. At first I thought it was pretty odd, mostly because it was new to me, but I quickly got over it. It didn’t bother me or make me think any less of him because his religion didn’t allow him to stand. As Americans it’s easy to find it disrespectful when someone doesn’t shake your hand or give you their blessings after you sneeze because that’s part of our culture. It’s easy to see how people can be so easily offended by Kaepernick’s actions but I think I don’t think his actions were to disrespect the American flag or our values in any way.
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As an active duty Marine, my personal opinion is that the NFL should be able to do what they want when it comes to the National Anthem. I DO think it is disrespectful and I DO NOT agree with it at all. However, I do not fight for the American Flag, or the National Anthem. I fight for what they stand for in all of their glory. And as a Military Member we are sworn to up hold the constitution, that includes the “freedom of speech” part. If you want to put your effort towards something, lets put our efforts towards education, teaching individuals what these things are supposed to represent. What is happening in this country isn’t going to be fixed by protesting its symbols, we should be fixing the problems by contacting your local leadership and holding them responsible to ensure your wants are being represented.
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As American Citizens, when the National Anthem is being played you respect it. How are people suppose to respect us as a Nation when our own people are not respecting our Nation? You know that saying, “there’s a right and a wrong time”? Well, while the National Anthem is playing it is not the time to protest! Plain and simple. If you felt like you didn’t want to stand up and support, then you could have excused yourself to the bathroom prior to it starting (you did know they were going to play it right?!) or you could have simply came after the anthem was played.
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As Canaan WolfMartz commented above, the purpose of the military is to fight to uphold the constitution, including the freedom of speech. What Kaepernick was doing was exercising his right to free speech by peacefully and silently protesting. He’s not protesting against the military and what they stand for, he has been clear that his protest is against a country that, sadly, is still plagued by racism and police violence. The author used the history of the National Anthem to emphasize his opinion that it’s silly for sports teams to be required to respect the flag. I’d have to agree with him that the NFL and other sports leagues use the National Anthem to create an “All American” image that helps drive viewership and ticket sales. In my opinion, that’s fine. They are a business after all. But they, and their viewers, shouldn’t chastise those players who use it as an opportunity to peacefully protest.
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I think Zack Beauchamp really captured the agitation that rests with those of us that stand with Kaepernick. What a ridiculous thing to debate as a nation. It is particularly strange how people can be blinded by the obvious use of nationalism by the NFL, banking on so-called patriotism. I’m not sure about you all, but I do feel any more American during the SuperBowl, only because the flag is marketed to me wherever I go. I can’t buy a drink without a flag and a football stamped on it. Which to me is more disrespectful to patriotism than kneeling for the rights of others.
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I agree with James because he makes an important point which is “leave the protesting off the field”. I don’t see how kneeling on a football field is going to solve anything. The audience at a sporting event are only there to see two teams play a sport they’re not there to see who is kneeling when the national anthem is being played.
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It does not seem as though Beuachamp was making the point that the national anthem shouldn’t be played before sporting events. Rather the point seemed to be that given the origins of the national anthem, and the origins of it being played at football games, Kaepernick’s actions are not and should not be considered such an insult the nation. Beauchamp says so quite clearly early on in the article “Kneeling during the national anthem is no more inherently disrespectful than the NFL turning patriotic displays into a marketing tactic is”.
To be frank, I truly do not understand why there is such a negative reaction to a group of people keeping to their beliefs. Especially since their actions are not inherently harmful or disrespectful. I personally was born and raised in America, never saluted the flag or sang the national anthem, and no one who has witnessed this has ever said anything about it. If NFL players wish to voice their discontent with the nation’s injustice in this way then let them. Beauchamp makes the valid point that the national anthem is not played before any other entertainment event. Nor is it used by the NFL for purely wholesome reasons.
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In the article, Beuchamp shows how he believes that the National Anthem before sporting events has turned political. I believe he is right. The National Anthem was played before sporting events to show patriotism and remember the freedoms we have as Americans, now it has become a way to protest. Although this is not a bad thing, this changed the National Anthem and its purpose of before game anthem.
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As a Mexican-American, listening to the national anthem prior to a sporting event is quite common. Most of the sporting events I assist to are in Mexico, where before soccer matches, we also play the Mexican national anthem. I usually sing both anthems because I am citizen of these two countries and I do it as a token of respect. Having the U.S. national anthem played at most of sporting events makes me realize that there are certainly a lot of people who just sing along without really understanding the lyrics and the ulterior message of the poem. I believe that Beauchamp is very accurate with his reasoning. I believe that sporting companies should not be allowed to utilize U.S. national symbols as a way to attract more people to their venues by appealing to their patriotic side.
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I think people that take offense for someone taking a knee in protest might not be aware of what America really is. Blind patriotism isn’t American. If it were we wouldn’t be a democracy and Trump would be a Queen.
Just in a side point most of those that can’t come to terms with this peaceful form of protest will rant about the 2nd Amendment and their right to bear arms. Daily dose of American irony for you.
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I think the National Anthem before sporting events is a wonderful way to honor those fighting for the freedoms we enjoy. Now, I understand that the Anthem protests before games has contributed to the mixture of entertainments and politics which doesn’t seem like a good combination, but we must not forget that protesting is one of those freedoms we enjoy. To be clear, I am irritated when I see individuals not standing or removing their hats during the anthem. But I understand that the freedom I am afforded by those who defend it, are the same one who affords them the freedom to protest. We have to look at both sides of the coin.
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The author is trying to make his point that playing the National Anthem before a sporting event is irrelevant and a very political thing to do. He mentions how people from other counties(like his Canadian partner) don’t see why it is played. He also mentions soccer teams in England not playing “God Save the Queen” before the matches begin.
I personally disagree with him and enjoy the National Anthem before a sports game begins. I love the tradition of sports, and this one is must for me. Sports without the National Anthem would feel like there is something missing beforehand. I also love honoring members of our country who are risking their lives for our freedom. It makes me think, that in the grand scheme of things, this world is so much bigger than the game that is right in front of me. We would not be playing here or watching if it wasn’t for those serving our country. It helps put things in perspective and lets those know that we thank and are thinking of them always. I also think the National Anthem should be played at other events we attend, like concerts.
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Zach Beauchamp begins this article saying, it’s actually very strange for sports games to begin with the national anthem and he believes that people should not be standing for the national anthem. With everything that is happening throughout the United States, I can see why people may agree with this statement. On the other hand, the national anthem is played at sporting events as a sign of respect for the soldiers, police officers, firefighters, veterans that fight or fought for our country. Kneeling for the national anthem is a sign of disrespect for everyone that has risked their lives for us. It doesn’t matter if you are not happy with what is going on with our country right now, everyone should stand for the national anthem to show that they care and they respect everyone that is risking their lives every day to protect and serve us and our country.
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I agree with what author Zack Beauchamp says, with the exception of his claim, that the playing of the national anthem introduces politics into sports. I fail to see how political discourse is immediately included in sports when the national anthem is played. Playing the national anthem has never been a political statement. It has simply been a patriotic gesture and a thank you to those who defend this country throughout sports history. Before Kaepernick was forced to take a knee, there had never been a political problem with the national anthem before games. In this country, political correctness is at the heart of everything, which is a sad sight, especially in the entertainment industry related to sports. In general, sports should not be associated with politics. Rather, as a country, we should utilize sports to escape from the madness of politics rather than to include it. Now in 2022, it has dialed down a little bit, but there are still politics involved with sports, but ever since the Kaepernick incident, there hasn’t really been anyone that kneels during the anthem, and we are slowly all becoming one strong patriotic nation, again even with all of the dividing involved in this country.
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