Enough already with the kneeling controversy. The original purpose assigned to “taking a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem has long been lost in the dusty and dirty discussion following Colin Kaepernick’s initial action. Instead of a clear and positive statement against police violence and in support of Black Lives Matter, we have an action that acerbically pits social justice against patriotism.
Except in the narrowest of venues, the conversation has turned to whether professional athletes should take a knee during the National Anthem; whether they should be allowed to express their individual perspectives while in team uniform; and if doing so makes them less patriotic than those that don’t take a knee. On television, in blogs, in print media…wherever…there is very little discussion about police violence, Black Lives Matter, profiling, or any of the other various aspects related to how police and Black Americans treat or view each other in our country.
Athletes who take a knee and those that support them are often viewed as unpatriotic by supporters of the public display. Similarly, those that oppose taking a knee are viewed as uncaring, possibly even racist. The matter has divided owners and players…or brought them closer together…depending on the team. However, in each case, the division or cohesion isn’t around agreement or disagreement on social justice issues or about race issues. No, it’s around the rights of players vs owners and the image of the team projected to the public through the actions of the players and owners. At this point in the “conversation”, I’m not certain either side is thinking or even cares about how police treat young Black men.
From my perspective, I don’t think it is appropriate for any American to sit during the National Anthem unless they are physically challenged and can’t stand. I don’t think individual expressions or personal perspectives belong on the playing field in a team sport when players are in uniform unless the team and their organization are in complete accord with one another (i.e., it is the position of the entire organization). I do believe that all professional athletes have the right (and perhaps even the responsibility) to use their status as heroes to our youth to speak out on social injustice and other issues important to the individual athlete; and to do so productively and on their own time.
I firmly believe we have a race problem in this country and that without a doubt many police officers make dangerous and erroneous assumptions and apply wholly unnecessary use of force when dealing with Black Americans. I also believe some Black Americans stereotype the men and women in police uniforms everywhere based on the ugly and unacceptable actions of a few.
What we have here, Houston, is a deep, ugly, and festering failure to communicate; a volatile situation fueled by both sides. And, I think this critical conversation has been hijacked by the big business of professional sports, politicians, and the media. It’s not about whether a professional athlete can or should take a knee. It’s not about whether players should be fired for their personal expression of opinion on or off the field. And, it’s not about who has the power to dictate their behavior despite the tweeting and other use of social media. It is about Black Americans getting unnecessarily and tragically killed in our streets by those that are supposed to protect them. It’s about the men and women in blue getting paralyzed by fear and so afraid while on patrol that they make bad and dangerous decisions, or also wind up tragically dead for no logical reason.
Let’s take back the conversation and return to the topic of assuring that all Americans receive the protection from our public police officers that they deserve, and that our police officers again earn and receive the respect they, too, deserve. Let’s make certain driving while Black, walking while Black, or engaging in any other legal activity while Black is not cause for any negative contact from a police officer. And, let’s make certain wearing a blue uniform is not a reason to be ambushed or indiscriminately killed.
The conversation belongs to us, not to professional sports. It will only progress if the issues are addressed in each community across our great nation; addressed openly, honestly, respectfully, and constantly. Change happens with us, not with Congress, the 49ers, or any other organization with predominant self-interest. We are the change. Without us, the conversation is only words flung about meaninglessly without action or substance, resulting in no concrete or meaningful action or…they fan the flames of dissension and anger. Take back the conversation, own the issues in your community, and responsibly resolve them…together.