In recent weeks, the issue of inequality surfaced again as more and more NFL players began kneeling down during the National Anthem as an act of protest. However, I wonder if people who participate in this protest overlooked some details that may have led them to conclude that America from its National Anthem to its society, is corrupt and unequal. We stand while the National Anthem is playing at any sporting event to honor not only our country, but those who have sacrificed their life to protect our freedom and everything we enjoy today. Thus, just because the part of the anthem could be racist or because some of our American values have failed, that doesn't mean we can dishonor or be disrespectful during such moments.

I am aware that people have died in recent years because of inequality, but rather than jumping to the conclusion, we have to cross-examine what we have right now and decide, is it appropriate to protest during the playing of National Anthem? Is it time to bring this country apart?

The tradition of standing while the national anthem played began in 1918 during the World Series game between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. The game at first was very slow and boring. There weren't many crowds, since World War I was still going on, and the crowd was quiet; everyone was thinking about the war. But when U.S. Navy Band began to play the Star-Spangled Banner, one player after another began to either salute, those with a military background, or put their hands over their heart while facing the flag. The crowd stood up, facing the flag, and began singing along. At the end of the song, the once quiet crowd was cheering and began clapping wildly. the New York Times reported that it was "marked the highest point of the day's enthusiasm." Since then, the song would be played at all other remaining World series games and gave increasing positive patriotic responses.

(Left) Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs during the 1918 World Series at Comiskey Park Chicago, Illinois. (Credit: Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images); (Right) The New York Yankees hold their caps over their hearts during a performance of the national anthem, 1921. (Credit: FPG/Getty Images)

Remember, in 1918, the Star Spangled-Banner was not the national anthem of United States. It was another patriotic song that was played during parades or sporting games. Therefore, people's response was voluntary, it was not expected for the people to stand up and honor the flag during the song. Standing up to honor the flag while the patriotic music was playing was a way for these people to not only the honor the country, but it was their way to remember and cherish those that are serving or have served the country. It was about remembering what we have achieved as a whole and what needs to be done. It was a symbol which people held to reassure that their sacrifices were not in vain, that their sweat and tears were what secured the freedom and security of their community, society, and their country. So, when Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the National Anthem since 2016, he not only upset many fans, but he puzzled me very much.

I understand what Kaepernick intended when he started this movement: to bring awareness of American society's inequality problems and to "fight oppression of all kinds globally, through education and social activism."

"When there's significant change and I feel like [the American] flag represents what it's supposed to represent, [and that] this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand," - Colin Kaepernick

However, when he said the following, he crossed the line:

“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country,” Kaepernick said. “I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That’s not happening. People are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up.”

People are dying in vain because this country isn't holding their end of the bargain up? The reason why you are reading this article, sitting in a nice comfortable chair, worry-free is because countless people have and are sacrificing their time, resources and life to protect you and the country. Yes, this country and its system is flawed, it's corrupt, but the sacrifices that are made to keep this broken machine going, to sustain millions of people are never in vain. To remember and honor these men and women, we stand up and face the flag, symbolizing us (not this country or its system), when the national anthem plays. Their hard work and blood would be in vain if we neglected to honor them by honoring what brings us together.

I do hope that discrimination, inequality, and oppression problems would just go away. As a minority, I do feel like I am discriminated and stereotyped. And it does not make me feel happy. So I do support Kaepernick and any other movements to bring equality and to fix this broken nation. But to use our freedom, our rights to deface the very symbol that we unite under, that we identify ourselves with, is what abuse of our rights looks like. Kaepernick's protest action is trashing our symbol, leaving us with nothing to unite or identify ourselves with. His actions, although unintended, are tearing this country apart. Would Dr. Martin Luther King support his movement if he was alive today? No, Kaepernick's protest is opposite of how Dr. King brought change to our society: raising awareness by bringing everyone, bringing the country together.

I get it. We are upset that our government is slowly falling apart. We are afraid that we might get hurt because we have different colored skin. But think: would taking this country apart solve any of our problems? No, it wouldn't. It would make it worse. More people are going to hate, more people are going to die because we cannot come together and share our problems and views like Dr. King did.

Therefore, if you want to bring change to our society don't tear this country apart into factions, groups, and etc. Come together. I know working together is hard, I've been there. And it might take months, years, decades, or even centuries. But as long as we do our part, improving ourselves and changing our attitude towards others at least our children can enjoy a country where they truly feel united. From the day we're born to the day we die, we struggle to make something better for ourselves. So, unless you are willing to do your part and bring positive changes to fix this nation, our society will degrade.

If I ask you to run five miles with nothing in exchange, you wouldn't do it. Why would you? But when I incentivize you with money or anything else, you would do it, right? Same deal. If you want to change this society, don't wait until someone does something for you, do it yourself. When you do, others will join in as they become influenced by you.

We have no time to stagnate and argue about our past; whether what was written 200 years ago, that we still sing today, is racist. We only, barely, have enough time to move forward.

Make it count.

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Sources/ Credits

History Channel (http://www.history.com/news/why-the-star-spangled-...)

Colin Kaepernick Foundation (http://kaepernick7.com/home/about/)