General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Who the heck does the San Francisco police think they are to demand an apology [View all]Glassunion
(10,201 posts)That said, I also feel that respect is a two way street, and it should never be expected, demanded, or forced.
Forced respect is an oxymoron.
Should a person of color be expected to stand for a national anthem for a country that currently oppresses people of color? A country where black people are killed in disproportionate numbers by police officers who are rarely punished, no matter the circumstances. A country where our votes are suppressed by almost any means possible, so that we cannot even effect change in the ballot box. Should we show respect for that? Should we show respect to a country where police policies and procedures have an overwhelmingly negative impact on minority neighborhoods? Plain and simple question. If America does not treat all citizens equally, then why should it be shown respect?
How much disrespect has been heaved on minority groups in this nation? Not just the black communities. Have we achieved absolute equality for gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.? Depending on what glasses one is born with to view the world, views differ greatly. Yours may be a rose colored pair, where America is all good and great, and deserves unfettered respect. So, when the anthem plays, you get off your couch at home, stand up, place your hand over your heart and face the television for the duration of the performance. Others may have a view that's less savory. They live in a nation where their country does not respect them, and in fact works quite diligently to oppress them. But, some feel that they should somehow find respect for something that does not respect them back? Personally, I disagree.
Standing or sitting during the anthem does not make one any more or less an American. Throughout American history, real change started because Americans chose to say something that people don't necessarily want to hear or do something that people don't necessarily want to see.
Kaepernick has a stage, he has a voice, and he used it for those who don't have a voice. Hopefully as change for the better. Sure he offended some. Good, now they are paying attention. The more folks who have a voice and a stage speak out, the more people will listen.
There are times and places for overt political statements. However, they are usually most effective when they are done when it isn't the time or place.