You're right, I didn't, because I felt it was very strawman-ish. But since you're asking. Again, the point isn't whether or not standing for the anthem is required by their job; my point/differentiation is that they're not actually protesting the act of standing for the anthem. Their protest is about racial inequality and injustice. Protesting the anthem is simply the vehicle they're employing in order to raise consciousness/attract attention. They haven't indicated that they have any problem with the action they're choosing not to carry out. As opposed to Davis, who refused to sign certificates because the it was the act itself of signing them with which she disagreed. Again, I'm not debating the merits of the protest, simply explaining why it is not hypocritical to support one occurring at the workplace and not the other. One is protesting the job itself; the other is simply using the job as a platform for a protest unrelated to the job. They are absolutely apples and oranges situations.
I really hope they don't protest. To me, it just seems very juvenile. The best way that you can effect change is to go out into the community and work with them, which is exactly what Dame and other Blazers have done. Organize safe projects for children and minorities to engage in that is positive and makes a real difference in their lives. Because that is what they ultimately want: someone to say "you matter, and we care about you". They don't want a fucking protest against the flag or national anthem....that's a hollow protest. But ultimately, I watch sports for SPORTS. It's 2 hours out of my week that I get to focus on something other than social issues and politics. And there's nothing wrong with that.
"Yeah, but what about..." This whole "don't protest X because Y is a bigger problem" is bullshit. It's only used to silence. They're not protesting what you want them to protest because they're not on the same hella woke MRA forums as you are. Shame, really.
Okay, protesting the national anthem is one thing, but THIS is not cool. Taps is a song about respecting the dead, and this was at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Really really really uncool.
But they're choosing not to stand for the anthem because they don't want to show their support for a country that turns its back on minorities. There's a reason why they're doing it during the national anthem. The point of standing for the anthem is to respect the anthem. If Kim Davis was unwilling to put her stamp of approval on a marriage certificate because it's against her beliefs, then I think an argument can be made that standing for the anthem can be seen as putting your stamp of approval on this country. They feel like the country ignores them, so they're not willing to show it the respect that they feel is not being returned. Why do you personally stand for the anthem?
Wow. Yeah, that is REALLY fucked up. I visited the TOTU in May of 2005, and it was one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had. I took this picture (among many others), and it remains my desktop picture to this day: I couldn't look myself in the mirror if I knelt during the changing of the guard.
This country doesn't ignore them. Politicians do. And the media uses them as jokes and punchlines to sell stories.
Regardless, that's what their reasoning is. I think the important thing is to analyze the purpose of the national anthem and the reason why we stand and remove our hat (if we're wearing one.) To understand the purpose of the anthem is to understand why someone might not be willing to stand for it.
If you honestly think that their primary goal is to have NFL rules changed regarding players standing for the anthem, then there is nothing more to discuss.
Interesting story on the history of playing the national anthem at sporting events: http://www.politico.com/magazine/st...em-got-tangled-up-with-american-sports-215646
And if you want to micro it down to the details, that's your prerogative, but in the macro scheme of things, both sides are using their jobs as a vehicle to raise awareness for their cause by protesting something that they are contractually obligated to do.
Not shown, but I'll bet there is someone in that crowd scratching his balls, and another 15 looking at their phones. There's a lot out there to be offended by if you spend time looking for it. barfo
I didn't realize that ball scratching was a political statement. Here I have been making political statements for decades!
Listen, it's not my fault you get squeamish at the sight of a man scratchin his balls outside your window at night.
It's a matter of getting the right amount of leverage. It's a technique that I have perfected over the last 25 years.
He couldn't be taking a moment to pray? To cry over a lost relative? Those aren't shoelaces on the ground are they? But sure, a black person kneeling can only mean he's being disrespectful. F'ing n-worder! Probably raped 3 white girls on the way there.
