Unbeknownst to practically everyone alive today, there is a bit of controversy surrounding one of the much lesser known verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Most people only know of the first verse as that is the extent of what is sung before sporting events and on other occasions where the song is traditionally featured. The debate is in reference to two lines in the third verse which most people would probably have to Google in order to get to.

“No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,”

Some historians argue that this stanza is glorifying the Americans’ triumph over the Corps of Colonial Marines which was one of two units comprised of slaves that were recruited to fight for the British with the promise of gaining their freedom in return. Alternatively, it has been argued that these lines refer to the British Navy’s practice of impressment which basically involves the kidnapping of sailors who are then forced to fight in defense of the crown. Unfortunately, Francis Scott Key who wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner” never made any attempt at specifying which interpretation is accurate or if he meant something completely different altogether. As such, it hardly seems rational to define the national anthem as a “celebration of killing slaves.”

In fact, I would venture to guess that no one living today was alive during the Lincoln administration which, to my knowledge, was when slavery was abolished. December 18, 1865 is the date listed in the history books. It has been over 150 years. There is no one among us that deserves an apology or that should be apologetic for that seemingly ugly part of American history. We cannot rewrite history even if there are certain parts that we would like to. History has always been about learning from past mistakes in order to make improvements for the future.

At the center of the national anthem debacle sits Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. In protest against the oppression that exists in America, he is determined to sit when the national anthem is played at the beginning of the football game. While I agree with the concept that change is needed and that the country is not where it should be in those regards, I do not feel that ignoring the meaning of the first verse of the national anthem which is a tribute to the flag and the brave men and women that fight for this country and its freedom. The third verse has not been one that has been circulated and without this protest against the anthem, would have remained obscure. I cannot support a protest of the national anthem.

I can however support a protest against any form of inequality or an infringement on the rights of any citizen of this country. Lately, it seems as though racism is hiding around every corner. It is not. The reason it seems that way is because it is being sought out. The more we look for something, the better chances we have of finding it. Instead of protesting American traditions, we should be protesting the way Americans treat each other. “The Star-Spangled Banner” has nothing to do with the social unrest in this country. We the people are at fault and we are the only ones that can inspire change. This country will remain in turmoil until we can come to grips with the fact that we all belong to the same group. I believe the greatest quote on the subject came from Morgan Freeman in an interview were Mike Wallace asks him how we are going to get rid of racism. Freeman replies:

“Stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man, and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman. You want to say, ‘Well, I know this white guy named Mike Wallace.’ You know what I’m saying?”

The less time people spend pointing out differences between each other, the less power those differences will have. The last time this country really seemed to share a sense of unity was in the days following September 11, 2001. Soon, it will have been 15 years since that tragic day. It should not take another similar event for us to come back together as Americans, but it will take some action on behalf of the people. So, a choice needs to be made. Will you stand up, or stay seated?