We Need To Talk About The Hypocrisy From Conservatives On Anthem Protests | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

We Need To Talk About The Hypocrisy From Conservatives On Anthem Protests

Being hateful towards peaceful protestors will not move any sort of discussion forward.

390
We Need To Talk About The Hypocrisy From Conservatives On Anthem Protests
Alan Kotok

In 2016, when Colin Kaepernick began his protest of our national anthem, I did not believe it would really amount to much.

Yet, a backup quarterback's protest has now turned into a national headline week after week and sparked a Twitter war involving the President of the United States.

The protest itself; to kneel or raise a fist during the anthem has been deemed disrespectful by some, including myself.

I am not a big fan of kneeling during the anthem, I personally will never do anything other than stand at attention for the anthem. But to say that these players are "sons of b*tches" as our President did is asinine and also, at the very least, a tad disrespectful.

Yet, the whole conservative narrative has been very evident to me. Despite the fact that many of conservative commentators and activists have recognized the right, they still express disdain.

Disdain at what, exactly? Men with an elevated platform expressing their opinions on social issues, peacefully.

Is that not what conservatives have been criticizing modern social justice advocates for?

During the riots in Ferguson, Baltimore, and Milwaukee the entire narrative from people like myself was that it would be more respectable if people tried to move their cause peacefully.

Yet, when that happens, we seem to almost have a breakdown at someone doing something we do not like.

Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative movement Turning Point USA, has repeatedly denounced the anthem protests, and even encouraged the booing heard at some of the stadiums.


Why exactly should they be booed? For making a statement they believe in, and should be booed because you do not like it?

I understand, I personally do not think anyone should be doing anything but standing at attention.

Nevertheless, the whole idea behind opposition towards the Black Lives Matter movement is their violence. Nobody is being violent here, and nobody should cursed out for peacefully expressing their views.

Not only have people become offended, but a Trump Political Action Committee has now begun to encourage a boycott against the league.

One of the most overplayed jabs at Democrats during election season was the idea of a "liberal snowflake." Yet, here comes a Republican group starting a boycott because someone made a statement.

Moreover, the response from our President has been even more concerning, for more than just his initial response.

Trump's "sons of b*tches" comment has already begun to live in infamy, and most likely will continue to do so.

President's do not talk like that, they never have and never should. I cannot recall a time that President Obama cursed at anyone.

In an eight year per span where racist attacks by uneducated Americans, alongside the "birther" movement, Obama not once resorted to knee-jerk anger, and it would have been much more justified than Trump's outrage.

Instead, Obama made laughed it off and led with grace. For all his faulty views on policy, the 44th President would never say something remotely similar to Americans peacefully demonstrating.

Not only has Trump's most recent attack sparked criticism, but also how intense it was compared to other issues.

Trump's response to the Charlottesville terror attack was much weaker, and his "both sides" comment was torn apart by a long list of people.

The President's response to a neo-nazi terror attack was composed and did not seem to take a side.

Yet, his response to people using their first amendment rights while doing no harm to others is to shout and curse out multiple players on different NFL teams. That behavior from a President should be concerning to everyone.

Trump is not known for is composed responses or his class. The way he reacts to certain things is very telling. He will immediately lash out at things he finds sickening, like disrespecting our flag.

His priorities are completely out of line. While Puerto Rico suffers the impacts of Maria, the President is having Twitter arguments with NBA stars and cursing out peaceful NFL players.

The President's recent actions and the response from conservatives show hypocrisy within the movement, and turning a blind eye to our President's faults will not make him any better or unite anyone.

Yelling at and showing immense disdain for peaceful protestors will not end their protest; Trump's comment proved that as more and more players, and even owners, united during week 3 and joined the protest.

To fix anything, everyone must first stop yelling at one another and be open to different ideas and forms of expression.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2234
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16854
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3590
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments