To Those Outraged By 'Taking The Knee', Be Quiet For A Moment | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

To Those Outraged By 'Taking The Knee', Be Quiet For A Moment

I want you all to get this.

198
To Those Outraged By 'Taking The Knee', Be Quiet For A Moment
Sports Illustrated

It has been a few weeks since the NFL decided to 'take the knee' in opposition to Trump's comments. Between now and then, many have offered their opinions, most of them have amounted to simply damning one another. Within that time frame, I even offered my own thoughts on the topic. After further reflection and observation, I would like to say this to those who are against the protests:

I get it. You are outraged. You are outraged at the fact that people are disrespecting a nation that you or your ancestors have fought for. You are outraged that this is coming from people who have been made famous by nation. You are outraged that these individuals are protesting during a time where you want to escape the drama that fills our airwaves. You are outraged, and I get it.

But please, just for a moment, be quiet.

No, I'm not trying to silence you or your First Amendment rights to speak. However, if you truly want to understand why these stars are doing what they are doing, then you must be willing to hear them out and engage in the conversation. How can you do that when you are full of anger? And no, you do not need to agree with their views or agenda.

Conversation. That was the goal here. And in my opinion, it was achieved. The conversation at hand is about police brutality and race relations in the U.S. Why are we talking about this? Because you have a population that is fearful of being at the wrong end of one's explicit and implicit biases. Although times have changed and things have improved, you have a population scarred by the sins of the past. Any reminder of that, whether it be through police brutality and inadequate representation, serves as the proverbial trigger.

I'll be the first to admit that I do not know the extent of police brutality or oppression of black Americans in the U.S. If anything, I'm of the opinion that it's highly sensationalized and not as easily conclusive as we make it out to be. That being said, I'm in support of taking the knee. Why? Because I want to have these conversations. And judging by the responses to taking the knee, however, it seems that we need these conversations now more than ever. I do not enjoy disrespecting those who fight for our rights and freedoms, but it now seems that the road to understanding requires a necessary evil to get us there.

Those of you that are outraged by taking the knee, I want you to get this. I want you to get this, because we are all Americans striving to make our nation great. I want you to get this, because I know we are all burned out from the division and fighting. I want you all to get this, because it hurts when brothers and sisters in Christ quarrel over things that should be non-issues.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. - James 1:19-21 (NIV)

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187668
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13266
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456636
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25870
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments