As the national anthem blares throughout the stadium, everyone rises and stands in silence, as a way to recognize the supposed opportunity our nation has given to us. Yet, recently many athletes, primarily National Football League (NFL) players, have started to kneel during the national anthem in order to silently protest the discrimination they feel are targeting certain minority groups that are not being addressed in our nation. This form of protest has been widely scrutinized, marking it as “unpatriotic” and “disrespectful” towards the flag, causing conflict over whether players should be reprimanded if they choose to not stand. Despite the backlash the silent protest has received, the players participating in the protest should not be reprimanded, due to the significant message they are trying to relay, and because of how they are respectfully and rightfully doing it.

This silent protest originally started back in 2016 when former 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, in efforts to protest police brutality and the discrimination people of color face in America. He used his platform as an athlete to speak up against issues that he felt were important. His movement has since garnered support from many other athletes, who have also taken a knee during the national anthem, in hopes to generate even more attention to the message they are trying to spread. One of the main reasons this silent protest has generated controversy was the insinuation that it was insulting towards those who had served our country. However, the way Kaepernick and the other athletes are protesting is anything but disrespectful. Our veterans have fought for the American people to have the ability to fight for what they believe in and have a voice in pertinent issues. By not standing for the national anthem, these athletes are simply practicing the rights that these soldiers fought for in a peaceful manner.

The silent protest has also led to comments that claim it is derogatory towards the flag. The flag of our nation is said to reflect the Founding Fathers’ beliefs, values and sovereignty, marking it a stoic symbol of a nation that has its foundations built on justice and protecting its citizens. Therefore, by kneeling during the national anthem, the players are making a statement that the nation is falling into unequal conditions. Since they do not feel as though justice for these minority groups are being presented, they are trying to peacefully voice that there is much room for improvement in our nation. This is in no way to disrespect the flag, but to call attention to the original message at hand. The message of the protest is to help benefit America and make it a nation that adheres to all types of people.

The players who have decided to take a knee are not at all trying to disrespect anyone or anything at all. The sole purpose was to draw attention to the more pressing matters taking place. The idea to punish players by benching them in order to make a change in something they believe in by using their vast media platform is absurd. The protest should be noted as a vital movement that advocates an equal, unified nation. It should be praised, not condemned.